NATHAN Sobey's childhood dream will come true next month when the Warrnambool Seahawk flies to the United States to prepare for a college career.
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The teenager has gained a scholarship with Cochise Junior College in Arizona, which competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association.
He was able to receive the scholarship with the help of Seahawks coach Tim Gainey.
"Tim put in some video footage of me because he went to the same school," he said.
"He sent it to the coach, which is the same coach he had, and he talked to him for a while."
The coach was obviously impressed with Sobey, who said a college stint has been an aim of his since he was about 13.
"I'm a little bit nervous about it now but once I get there and settle down I'll be fine," he said.
"I'll be doing a sports management course and a few other subjects.
"Basketball is pretty serious over there.
"They were ranked second in the nation last year.
"I'll be training every morning and night."
Leading up to his scholarship, Sobey has bumped up his training schedule with the help of Seahawks teammate Bobby Cunningham.
"I've been shooting most days with Bobby," he said.
"He's been taking me out to the stadium for about a month and a half now, just shooting on my lunch break for about 45 minutes."
The college-bound basketballer was grateful of Americans Cunningham and Gainey.
"They've been really good to me the last four or five years," he said.
"Without them, it definitely would've been harder to get a scholarship."
Sobey will head to America on August 20, three days before school starts and in time for pre-season.
"My parents will be pretty happy to get rid of me," he quipped.
"My friends just think it's an awesome opportunity."
Fulfilling a goal in his chosen sport will affect his secondary sport, football.
Sobey has played three matches for Russells Creek this season, a tally he won't be building on as he will be fully focused on basketball until he leaves the country.
His departure could be delayed if the Warrnambool Seahawks, which have a bye this weekend, manage to sneak into finals in the Big V division one competition.
