Warrior Spotlight: Blake Essex

An interview with one of the warrior’s top players

It’s impossible to miss Blake Essex on the basketball court. As the second tallest member of the UAU Warrior’s men’s basketball team, Blake’s strength and dedication set him apart. He has been an important team player since his freshman year, claiming the title of team captain by his sophomore year. “It took some time,” Blake said, “but throughout the years I’ve learned to become a stronger player and an outspoken leader.” 

Basketball has always been a part of Blake’s life. All through middle school and high school, he, along with his brother Braden, were coached by their father. “Braden and I grew up playing together. I’ve always been able to connect with the guys on the team, but there is something different about the brother bond. Having someone who just knows what you are going to do next really brings a different level of chemistry to the court.” While he attended Mile High Academy, Blake participated in three of Union’s annual high school basketball tournaments. When he graduated and became a Warrior, the Thunderdome was a familiar place. He quickly made the Warrior court his court. 

Blake has always worked hard on his game, but it wasn’t until this year that his commitment and effort were recognized by those outside of Union. History was made this spring when Blake became the first ever UAU student athlete to be recognized by the NCCAA and awarded the Men’s Basketball First Team All-Region in the Central Region. This award was given to five athletes across the central region for the D॥ men’s basketball division. Along with the First Team All-Region award and a Student-Scholar award, Blake was named the NCCAA Student-Athlete of the Week twice in a row during the third and fourth weeks of February. This honor is given to the athletes that demonstrate outstanding skill in the games that happened that week. Blake showed up for his team with numerous points, blocks, steals, and rebounds. 

Blake will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s in business administration with emphases in management, accounting, and finance. After four internships with Tyton Holdings, Blake plans on moving to Dallas, TX with his fiancee, Emma Trumble, and taking a full-time position with the company. When Blake isn’t playing basketball or studying, he’s out on the golf course, keeping up with the Denver, Colorado sports teams, or hanging out with friends. “I’ve made some of my best friends from playing on the basketball team,” Blake shared, “Friends that I will have for the rest of my life.” 

Although Union is losing an incredible athlete, student and friend, the world is gaining a kind and dedicated leader. May God be with you, Blake, as you take these next steps in your life! Union will always be cheering you on. 

By: Sami Hoffer