LA JOLLA, Calif. – For this collegiate athlete, meditation gives him the edge – not just in basketball, but in life.
 
Jake Kosakowski of UC San Diego Men's Basketball finds that true meaning and experience comes from being fully present in each moment and embracing the inner self.
 
When it comes to familiar sayings about both sports and life at large, there must be reason for the popularity of phrases referencing the head, opposed to any other part of the body. Think about it – "get your head in the game", "heads up", or "heading in the right direction." 
 
In accordance, oftentimes, becoming strong doesn't just begin in the gym, on the field, or on the court. Rather, it starts in your head. 
 
The discernable impact and stature of No. 1 on the court can't be denied, still Jake honors this special balance of physical resilience with mental vigor to score points, in the arena and in the game of life.
 
A skilled offensive shooter on the court, Jake impressively led the nation in the three-point field goal percentage last year. 
 
Now a senior, the athlete reflected upon his basketball career and a major part of this season being the leadership position he's been propelled into as a fourth-year player, and the growth he's recognized within himself. Jake prides himself in being a player of morale, and in the energy and glue he's brought to the team, commemorating his time with them as unrivaled bonding experiences.
 
Of all his moments in UCSD Basketball, Jake remarked that it's tough to pick a favorite. "There was a buzzer beater I hit against UC Santa Barbara last year, that was a really wild shot. But to step outside myself and look at my growth as a person being here for the last four years, going through the trials and tribulations of being a student athlete, in a lot of aspects, it's as tough as they tell you it is. To grow and embrace that has been the coolest part of it all," revealed Jake, who this year, was named to the College Sports Communicators' Academic All-District Team for successful performance in the classroom and on the court. 
 


When it comes to what's inside his iconic Triton scholar-athlete backpack, Jake revealed his secret: "no school books, just all things I like to read". The well-balanced individual likes to commit to whatever book is calling him, but finds deep gratification in many readings of spiritual wellness. No stranger to reading multiple chronicles at once, Jake's avid reader's habits include marking up the pages, taking notes within, and underlining ideas that truly resonate.
 
Even so, for Jake, journaling is his meditation. 
 
"I'm not the best at it, but that's why they call it a practice. And I always give myself what I feel called to," said Jake about the self-reflective outlet. 
 
Journaling is understood as writing down one's thoughts and feelings to perceive them with more clarity and gain a better comprehension of oneself. Keeping a journal gives rise to mindfulness and allows those with the pen to remain present whilst maintaining perspective and regulation over emotions. It is thought to improve mental health and offer increased concepts of self-identity, confidence, and presence of mind. 
 
With these efficacious traits evident in his being, Jake revealed that a form of this exercise began at the age of fourteen, when he received his first journal from his mother, along with an assembly of colorful sharpies. "It was this big, artist's journal with no lines on the pages, like a thick dictionary type," he said of the notebook in which his first entries began, encompassing drawings of NBA teams, colleges, and the places he wanted to be. Older now, Jake reflected that, "Looking back, it really all manifested."
 
These days, the basketball player takes his practices of journaling seriously and revealed that being able to surrender to what he is feeling, and being able to effectively write about it, is a form of clearing his mind.
 
Coupled with a leading value of his, self-honesty, Jake expressed the importance of feeling whatever he needs to feel in the moment, and then letting it pass.
 
Of this, reflecting upon internal self-changes since implementing these practices into his life, Jake realized how much more truthful he's gotten with himself, especially in the past year. He shared, "It's not just about listening to yourself, but being honest. There were many days in the past where I've woken up, been stressed, and simply tried to put a band-aid over it, just covering it with affirmations or whatever I could use. But as of lately, I've really allowed myself to be honest with myself and my emotions. Without judging them, and without attachment – that's what the practice of meditation really is about," disclosed Jake.
 
This abstraction allows Jake to live authentically, and is a notion that translates to the game well. 
 
Relative to b-ball, the sportsman expressed how "feeling those feelings, to the fullest" is a core piece of the process of moving forward when things don't go as planned. Jake said, "Not only the ending of this season, but as a whole, it wasn't what I expected it to be. But put that word 'expected' in air quotes, because for me, I don't want to go into anything with any expectations, really." This is fundamental to his central focus of experiencing the present moment in all respects.
 
In the sport of basketball, beyond physical strength and skill, lies the mental fortitude and concentration vital to high level performance. As he's gained more life experience and gotten "more and more into the game", Jake explained his realization of "how mental it is, as well as it is physical and emotional. The mental aspect of the game is probably equally, if not more important than the physical preparation," he said. 
 
In his own ways of preparing for performance, Jake implied that for him, it's a game-to-game thing. "Some days, I might not be as pumped up, like if we're playing the weaker opponent, I'll need that boost with some energetic music. But other games, where I'm locked in on something and super amped up, I'll need to calm myself down," Jake said. He further expressed that he listens to music up until the point he gets onto the court, which then he likes to take the music out, as a means to be present in the present.
 


Jake revealed that for home games at LionTree Arena, he likes to get himself in the right place, which for him, is often found in feeling the coastal waters of La Jolla sometime ahead of the game. Whereas for away games, when location is out of his control, Jake's efforts focus upon getting his head in the right space. He said, "At away games, you're staying in a hotel somewhere, so in preparation for a game, I try to get time outside in fresh air, or maybe in the car with some frequency instrumental music, or just practicing breathwork has been big for me… just doing whatever I need to do to get my head in the right space," he said, describing what it takes to reach the best performance and help the team succeed.  
 
In experiencing life according to his own spirit, values, and personality, Jake holds true to practices that resonate with him wherever he goes, including on travel trips with the team. He shouts-out and credits both his travel game and at-home roommates for the experiential growth and sincere friendships they've shared. Of the connections he's built on his team and in the Triton community, the student-athlete expressed appreciation in being able to open up, be vulnerable, and create honest bonds whilst comfortably continuing the practices he likes to do amongst others. 
 
Jake feels that he has a rather close tribe of like-minded people who share similar values, "I try to surround myself with mirrors," he articulated. He further explained, "I love it when people come to me, talk with me, and ask opinions, because being of service to others is the greatest thing to me. I feel like I've had an effect on the team, despite the record we have this season, and I'm proud of that." 
 
The three-point shooter emphasized that the practice of existing in the present moment is especially true for someone who shoots the ball and needs to be focused. Of this, he said, "It might simply be talking to my teammates, seeing the shots, just feeling the ball physically in my hands, and just getting myself into the arena."
 
The concept of being in the conscious moment awareness goes beyond Jake's game day routines, and manifests itself in many of his average mornings. After waking up, he does his best to get a little journaling done, reading or meditating "for however long that is – whether it be one minute, ten minutes, or thirty… I'm not anybody's guru at this, but I think the effort is better than nothing. So I try to do some of that. I definitely at least write something down in a journal, even if it's just writing that I'm thankful for another day." said the Triton. 
 
His advice to individuals wanting to implement similar routines into their lives: "Find what works for you, stick to it, and don't be afraid to explore from there." Jake declared, "As much as we go searching for answers from other people, and while agreement and validation feels great, we just need to go inside. All we have to do is work on ourselves as individuals."
 
Jake expressed that for himself, it's about "Allowing myself that space to feel, but knowing that I can always return to my heart and my space where I feel okay. I try to see every situation in terms of what I can gain from it and what there is to be learned, and while it's easier said than done, for sure, it's always been worth it for me," the athlete articulated.
 
Through great introspective work, Jake has not only created a safe haven within his mind, but he has also found the place he can call home here on the West Coast. 
 
Having spent most of his youth in Chicago, Jake revealed how his environment has helped shape him. "Throughout the time I lived there, I was definitely put in sink or swim environments. A few of them I sank, but most I swam. It gave me this resilience and work ethic and I think I've carried that with me to wherever I've gone," Jake reflected.
 
Of a life in balance, Jake shared that his move to California has leveled him out as a person. Comparing life in San Diego to in Chicago, he shared that "Here, I've learned the calmness, the stillness, to appreciate the beauty of a tree, and to not have to fall asleep to the sound of fire trucks passing by five times a night. I've really gotten this balance of these uptempo, at-times dangerous aspects of life, but now the calm, safe space to figure out who I am without having to worry about all these external factors, compared to other places, at least."
 
Reflecting on his Chi-town roots, Jake expressed gratitude in his experience of the city, including the beauty of it, the ugly aspects, and everything in between, yet revealed, "I actually don't miss it to be honest. I feel very complete with that part of my life. Obviously, I'd go back, but I wouldn't trade this here for Chicago."
 
Jake shared that beyond the seaside views, sunny weather, and laid-back lifestyle on the West Coast, he finds enjoyment in the good eats of San Diego. The athlete said that "Dietary wise, it's nothing too crazy to be honest with you. I try not to go crazy. But I do let myself enjoy what I want to eat," said the player, who's go-to cheat meal is Chick fil-A with sweet and spicy sriracha sauce, and who acknowledges a good burrito as his ultimate favorite food.
 
When he's not caught up in a good book or discovering hole-in-the-wall spots for the best tacos, Jake spends time back in Las Vegas, where he and his family moved just before starting his freshman year at UC San Diego. While the typical Vegas experiences are fun, Jake explained, the city becomes more than just a trip when your family lives there. 
 
"When I go back home, I really try to be intentional with my time there. I really just spend time with my mom, people that have really seen my growth and that I consider family, and walk my dog. I like to stay in shape, stay social, and I have a trainer out there who does these big cross fit classes, so it's always fun to meet people there. I just vibe out when in Vegas, like I would anywhere else. Just being present with the people I'm with. That's what it's all about," said Jake.
 
Of his mother, Jake considers her the biggest role model and supporter in his life. Jake's mom has traveled to every home game she possibly could, and has been there for every major moment of his basketball career. 

Jake remarked that his mother is admirable in simply "the way she carries herself every day", or rather, "her swag," according to Jake. "I also get the way I dress from her, though I like to think she gets it from me now," he teased. 
 
The baller further commended his mom for her own practices, explaining that she meditates religiously, for hours. "She's that type of person," said Jake. "While I'm not there yet, and I have compassion for myself when I'm not, she's kind of the road map for my spiritual and mental well being. Physical and emotion wise, I'm taken care of. But the way I see it, my mom has given me so many great tools for me to do the work. She's dope. She's like my best friend, too," insisted Jake.
 
This season, Jake's mother accompanied him as he was honored at the recognition ceremony of UC San Diego Men's Basketball seniors, celebrating their career achievements at the end of the 2023 season.
 
While Jake is on the home stretch of his journey as a UC San Diego Triton, the successful student-athlete plans to obtain his Master's degree in Sports Psychology, given his passion and intent understanding of the mental aspect of the game, and hopes to knock it out in a one or two year program.
 
Approaching life stouthearted and without attachment, Jake said that he is open to exploring options available internationally. "I'm not ruling out the NBA, but would almost elect to play internationally because of the experience in life, the travel, and everything that comes with it," he said. Jake loves life on the West Coast and told himself he could retire in La Jolla, however describes himself as an experiential person and feels called to explore the country, the world, and get glimpses of what other lives are like. So it seems, Jake has a tendency to answer to his callings. 
 
He continued, "It's just beyond basketball for me, and I've given myself that space to explore other things, and traveling the world is part of that."
 
According to Jake, while basketball has been "an avenue that's allowed him to reach heights and places he wasn't able to before", his view has always been that being a basketball player is only one part of who he is. Jake shared that he certainly has dream destinations, but is not attached to anything. 
 
He revealed that for this next step in life, most importantly, he wants to go somewhere where he feels valued.  While on the Official Tritons Athletics Website, we may find Jake's name under "UC San Diego Basketball Player", he says that he is best described as "just another human."

Devoted not only to the court, but to himself, Jake's words of wisdom included "Just keep it simple and work on yourself. I think that sometimes people have a tendency to over extend themselves, but just work on yourself. You can't offer anything better in life than that. You can't offer me anything else but you working on yourself and I can't offer you anything more than me working on my own self. I'm one of those people who really believes that love is the answer as well, and I think it shows up in different forms – call it love, a connection, or call it a bond. I think that's real," revealed Jake.
 
On this note, Jake's mindset and practices lead him to experience a life of greater love, clarity, personal power, and raised emotional and spiritual vibration. Jake can be seen not only in the arena, but in life with a head held high, enabling him to face the world looking it directly in the eye to see the good that comes his way. 
 
While Jake's physical build is not expected to shrink anytime soon, his ability to not become small for those who refuse to grow, more importantly, stems from something that is internal, homegrown and cannot be taken away from him. Jake's ultimate strength lies not in his body height bonus, but rather the blossoming garden grown inside of his mind. 



About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program began a new era in 2020 as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 23-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 38 have earned prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world's preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in Divisions I and II.