LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Temple Christian senior Derek Shultz has made his college decision official, signing to continue his basketball career at Defiance College.

Shultz will join the Yellow Jackets men's basketball program after a standout career with the Pioneers, where he earned First Team All-NWCC honors, Second Team All-District 8 recognition, and All-Northwest Ohio Honorable Mention accolades.

Following his signing, Shultz reflected on the people who helped him reach this milestone.

"First, I'd like to thank my parents," Shultz said. "They've done so much for me. They've spent so much time, so much money for me to chase my dream."

Shultz also expressed gratitude for the Temple Christian community and what his high school career has meant to him.

"The community here is great. Everyone is so supportive," he said. "To be a Pioneer and to play in this gym, it just means a lot — it means everything to me."

During his time at Temple Christian, Shultz says he developed not only as a player, but as a leader on the floor.

"When I got here, I was somewhat confident, but as time has gone by, I've become more confident in my ability to play, facilitate, and do whatever was needed of me," Shultz said. "One thing I'm going to take with me is confidence."

At Defiance, Shultz is looking forward to both the program's direction and familiar faces already on campus.

"I like the coaching up there. They're a new hire, and I'm really excited," Shultz said. "Also, some of the players up there — Carder Orr and Carter Sudhoff — they may not know it, but I'm really excited to reunite with them."

As for what Yellow Jackets fans can expect, Shultz kept it simple:

"They're getting a hard-working player. I'm going to shoot the ball. I'm going to shoot the lights out."

Shultz now prepares for the next chapter of his basketball journey as he takes his game to the collegiate level at Defiance College.

Tags