For Joshua Ijeh, the journey to Cal State East Bay began thousands of miles away in Milton Keynes, England. Now a senior center for the Pioneers, Ijeh has embraced the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level in the United States while pursuing both his athletic and academic goals.
Growing up in England, basketball was not the dominant sport in his community.
"In Milton Keynes, football is the main sport," Ijeh said. "I grew up playing that and rarely played basketball. As I got taller, I started liking basketball more. I would bring a basketball to school in my book bag, and I joined my first team when I was 16. Since then, it's taken me to places I couldn't imagine."
One of those places was Hayward, California.
After a meaningful conversation with head coach Bryan Rooney, Ijeh felt confident that Cal State East Bay was the right environment for him.
"I chose to come here after a great talk with Coach Rooney," he said. "I was convinced this would be the best program for me to excel on the court, grow as a person, and complete my college career while pursuing my degree in psychology."
The transition from England to the United States came with its challenges. Adjusting to a new culture, new expectations, and a different style of basketball required patience and adaptability.
"Moving from England was challenging," Ijeh said. "Everything is so different compared to back home. It took me a little while, but I managed to adjust, and now I'm really comfortable over here."
Through that adjustment, his family remained his biggest source of motivation. Their belief in his dream continues to push him forward.
"My family back home really inspires me," he said. "They believed in me and supported my dream of playing basketball here in America. They continue to show their full support, and it just keeps me going harder."
One person in particular has played a significant role in his journey.
"My older brother Michael has been the most influential," Ijeh said. "He worked just as hard as I did to get me to where I am today. Whether it was financially or emotionally, he's always supported me."
Each time Ijeh steps on the court, he understands that he represents more than just himself. Wearing a Pioneer jersey also means representing his roots in England and the path that brought him overseas.
"Representing East Bay and England means a lot to me," he said. "Coming from where I'm from and having the opportunity to play college basketball in America is something I don't take lightly."
In the classroom, Ijeh is pursuing a degree in psychology, a field that has grown increasingly meaningful to him through his experiences in competitive sports.
"After I graduate, I want to pursue a professional basketball career," he explained. "At the same time, psychology is something I see as my long-term path. Being in competitive sports has made me really interested in how the mind affects performance, motivation, and mental health. After my playing career, I plan to get my master's degree and become a psychology researcher. I want to use what I've learned to understand athletes better and help improve mental well-being and performance."
His vision for the future extends beyond personal success.
"Personally and professionally, I want a future where I'm constantly growing and using my experiences to make a real impact," he said.
As his collegiate career enters its final chapter, Ijeh remains focused on finishing strong and continuing to develop both on and off the court. From Milton Keynes to Hayward, his path reflects determination, adaptability, and the courage to pursue opportunity far from home.
