Vanguard University

The Athlete: Ben joins the Vanguard Lions basketball program as a freshman in 2010?comes to VU from Mission Viejo High School, where he graduated in 2010?played for Coach Troy Roelen, and was a decorated high school athlete?garnered first-team All-CIF honors in his final season?was a three-time all league honoree, and named MVP of the South Coast League as a senior?averaged nearly 19 points and eight rebounds per game as a junior, and 16 points and six rebounds as a senior?led MVHS to two league championships?has played basketball since he was five?played three years for One Tough School club team?excellent sign for the Pride?good shooter with size?nose for the ball as a rebounder?smart, tough player who works very hard?should challenge for minutes immediately?will be an excellent player for four years in the Blue and Gold.

The Person: Ben was born in Mission Viejo, California on December 27, 1990?parents are Dan and Laureal?has an older brother who is an All-American wrestler at Cal State Fullerton?plans on majoring in Business Administration at Vanguard?loves to eat at "Chipotle"?watches "Jersey Shore" on TV?favorite movie is "Sleepers"?prefers the color blue and the numbers 11 and 13?favorite scripture is Isaiah 41:10?hobbies include ping-pong and hanging with friends?most respects his grandpa who recently passed away, because he was an inspiration?has learned to live life to the fullest?basketball has taught him to work hard and push beyond limits?career goal is to become an NAIA All-American and win a national championship.

His Thoughts: I chose to come to Vanguard because of the location, the athletics and the coaching, and the community.

Coach Soliday's Comments: Ben is a guy that everyone would love to coach or have as a teammate. He is an extremely hard worker, hungry to learn, and selfless in his approach to competing. Ben is going to have an outstanding career at Vanguard.