For Woodland High School senior Jayden Varela, the goal is bigger than individual recognition. He wants to help his team reach the playoffs, make a postseason run and give people a reason to remember Woodland basketball.
The guard brings averages of 11.4 points, 3 assists and 1.5 rebounds per game, along with First Team All-GEL honors. That recognition is an accomplishment, but Varela has his attention on what he and his teammates can achieve together during his senior season.
His journey to this point has included a significant transition. Varela transferred from Woodland Christian High School to Woodland High for his junior year and had to sit out half of last season. Now, he is looking to make the most of his opportunity and help build the program’s reputation.
Beyond high school, Varela hopes to continue his basketball career at the junior college level. His goals connect the next step in his own development with the impact he wants to leave at Woodland: keep playing, help his team win and bring greater recognition to the school.
His motivation comes from his family, his girlfriend and his faith in God, along with a desire to prove doubters wrong. As he works toward his next opportunity, Varela has a clear priority in front of him making his final high school season count alongside his teammates.
