Ray Shipman found the love of both basketball and football at the age of 7. He was a two-sport athlete playing football and basketball. Over the years, he has received many accolades including State Championships in basketball in 2007 and 2008 and was named the 2008 Gatorade Player of the Year, just to name a few.

 

Ray was awarded a full scholarship to play basketball at The University of Florida. While attending The University of Florida, he excelled academically and was named the SEC Scholar Athlete of The Year. He credits his success to great study habits and his understanding of the importance of education. He set out to change the way many perceive athletes when it comes to their commitment to education. After two years at the University of Florida, Ray decided to go back to his first love, by transitioning from the court to the field. In 2011, he received a scholarship to play football at the University of Central Florida.

 

Ray was signed by the New Orleans Saints in the 2013 NFL Draft where he spent entire pre-season with the Saints. Ray never lost his momentum in the game and recently made a transition from being a professional athlete to a working professional in Health Care Sports Administration.  

 

Ray is now channeling his passion for sports to the youth by writing children’s books. His series of books will use athletics as a vehicle to stress the importance of education to young aspiring athletes.

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He currently resides in South Florida with his wife and son.