California Irvine Athletics

#23 Jada Wynn
Year: Senior
Height: 6-1
Position: Guard
Hometown: Yorba Linda, Calif.
Previous School: Texas Tech
High School: Troy HS
Major: Business Administration
 
Senior Jada Wynn returns home for the final season of her collegiate career. After spending the last two years at Texas Tech, the Yorba Linda native is back in Orange County and ready to play in front of her family. One family member will be on the bench as Jada is the eldest daughter of UCI assistant coach Derek Wynn. She brings a wealth of experience after helping the Lady Raiders advance to the quarterfinals of the WBIT in 2024-25, and was also a member of Colorado's NCAA Sweet 16 team as a freshman in 2022-23.




When and how did you get started playing basketball?
I started playing basketball when I was little. My parents have been coaches for a long time and now I get to play for one of them so it's kind of full circle. I don't even remember when I started playing, I was pretty much born on a basketball court. I did play other sports. My parents made sure I did other things because they didn't want to pressure me into playing basketball, but I always ended up coming back to it.
 
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
That's something that has probably changed over the years, but right now I would say my little sister. We've gone through a lot together and we've seen each other at our highest and lowest. She's one of my biggest supporters, and I'll always be there to support her. I'm really proud of everything she has happening in her life right now, so she just inspires me to be that much better and set the standard for her to follow.
 
What has been your favorite basketball memory so far?
That's hard. Obviously, going to the NCAA Tournament my freshman year was an unbelievable experience. This past year, playing against UC Irvine and my dad was pretty cool – not many people can say that. Those are probably my two favorite memories.
 
Where did you grow up and what would you say is the best thing about your hometown?
I grew up in Yorba Linda, California. We've been there pretty much my whole life outside of four years. It's really good because it's calm and super close to everything. I love being home, obviously that's a big reason why I'm here. I love my family, the beach, shopping, and doing all the things Southern California has to offer. So being back home is a big deal for me, it's so comfortable and I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be.
 
What are you most looking forward to this season?
This season I'm looking forward to showcasing more of my ability both offensively and defensively. On top of everything else, I really want to win. That's my biggest thing. I'm going to leave everything out there on the court because I don't want to have any regrets walking away after my senior year. Hopefully we can walk away with a Big West Championship, that would be the ultimate goal.
 
What does it mean to you to be able to play for your dad in your final collegiate season?
It means a lot. My dad is my best friend; I love that guy. He always has my best interest at heart. We're very similar in our demeanor and the way we communicate so it just works. He knows everything about me, the good and the bad. He knows how to push my buttons but also love on me as well. It's a huge deal to be able to just play for somebody you trust. Coach Tamara, Coach Cece, and Tyler, I've been around them for a long time and it's so comfortable, they have confidence in me, and it makes me want to be better in all categories.
 
Why UCI?
Why not? It's my senior year; this is my redemption pretty much. I really want everything to go according to God's plan for me this year. Obviously, I want to play fo my dad, Coach Cece, and Coach Tamara. I just couldn't pass on the opportunity to come home and play in front of my family that hasn't gotten to see me play much. My sister is having her (high school) senior year as well so to be able to go to some of her games and have her come to mine is really huge, and I'm thankful this is happening at this time because it just feels right.