Meet the Newcomers: Q&A with Ahrray Young
August 04, 2026 | Women's Basketball
#2 Ahrray Young
Year:Β Fifth Year
Height:Β 5-11
Position:Β Guard
Hometown:Β Sacramento, Calif.
Previous School:Β Nevada
High School: Laguna Creek HS
Major:Β Business Administration
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Ahrray Young has returned to California for her final collegiate season. The Sacramento native transferred to UCI from Nevada where she started 27 of 29 games played. Last year, she averaged 9.5 points and 4.0 rebounds, while leading the Wolf Pack with 71 assists. Young spent her first two seasons at Tulsa where she was named to the 2022-23 American Athletic Conference All-Freshman Team despite missing the last 10 contests due to an injury.
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When did you get started playing basketball?
I started playing basketball when I was in seventh grade, but I didn't realize I loved it until later on in high school. It was around my sophomore year when I started taking it more seriously.
Β
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your basketball career?
My family. I have a really good support system. Whatever I was trying to do, they just wanted me to give 100% in it. So having people who loved me and accepted me like that made me want to go harder.
Β
How would you describe your playing style to fans who have never seen you play before?
Lots of energy. I like to bring energy in everything I do, and I like to have fun. When I'm scoring or my teammates are scoring and doing their thing, it's fun. So I like to have fun and win.
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Why did you choose UC Irvine?
The winning culture; I craved that for my last year. I wanted to be around like-minded people and around girls who want to win, want to work, and want to do whatever it takes to reach our goals.
Β
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Other than winning, just enjoying this last year I have with my teammates. We have a good group of girls, so I'm looking forward to having fun with them.
Β
What is your favorite thing about Irvine so far?
The weather, it's so good.
Year:Β Fifth Year
Height:Β 5-11
Position:Β Guard
Hometown:Β Sacramento, Calif.
Previous School:Β Nevada
High School: Laguna Creek HS
Major:Β Business Administration
Β
Ahrray Young has returned to California for her final collegiate season. The Sacramento native transferred to UCI from Nevada where she started 27 of 29 games played. Last year, she averaged 9.5 points and 4.0 rebounds, while leading the Wolf Pack with 71 assists. Young spent her first two seasons at Tulsa where she was named to the 2022-23 American Athletic Conference All-Freshman Team despite missing the last 10 contests due to an injury.
Β
When did you get started playing basketball?
I started playing basketball when I was in seventh grade, but I didn't realize I loved it until later on in high school. It was around my sophomore year when I started taking it more seriously.
Β
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your basketball career?
My family. I have a really good support system. Whatever I was trying to do, they just wanted me to give 100% in it. So having people who loved me and accepted me like that made me want to go harder.
Β
How would you describe your playing style to fans who have never seen you play before?
Lots of energy. I like to bring energy in everything I do, and I like to have fun. When I'm scoring or my teammates are scoring and doing their thing, it's fun. So I like to have fun and win.
Β
Why did you choose UC Irvine?
The winning culture; I craved that for my last year. I wanted to be around like-minded people and around girls who want to win, want to work, and want to do whatever it takes to reach our goals.
Β
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Other than winning, just enjoying this last year I have with my teammates. We have a good group of girls, so I'm looking forward to having fun with them.
Β
What is your favorite thing about Irvine so far?
The weather, it's so good.
Players Mentioned
Guard
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