Fresh off a monumental first-place finish at the 2025 AAU National Championship, the nation’s No. 1–ranked high jumper in the 13–14 age division, Grayson Ray is looking to turn his dreams into reality.
He’s leaving Bulloch County for Houston, Texas, to showcase his talent on one of the biggest youth stages in the country, a chance that could open doors and change his life forever.
Grayson, who originally focused on chasing his dream of making it to the NBA, was once a basketball standout recruited by multiple AAU basketball programs. But soon, he found a new ambition: testing his abilities on the track.
That decision led to the discovery of a hidden talent in high jump, and he didn’t waste time proving it. Competing for Langston Chapel Middle School, Grayson broke school records and dominated every meet, which sparked his next bold move: transitioning to AAU track and field.
The jump to higher-level competition only made Grayson better. Facing tougher opponents pushed him to rise to the occasion, and he kept winning, ultimately earning a spot in the AAU Junior Olympic Games, the biggest opportunity of his career so far.
The AAU Junior Olympic Games are the largest national multi-sport event for youth in the United States, bringing together thousands of athletes ages 8 to 18 to compete in elite competition. But Grayson didn’t just earn his place through athletic ability; he proved himself in the classroom too.
He’s an honor roll student and proud member of the BETA Club, showing that his dedication stretches far beyond the high jump pit. His mother emphasized that education is just as important as athletics in their household, and Grayson continues to excel in both.
Grayson said his drive to succeed comes from those who believe in him, especially his family. Their support fuels his work ethic, and he competes with purpose knowing the sacrifices they make.
“What motivates me is how they spend a lot of money and time to help me compete,” Grayson said. “My mom wakes up early in the morning to help me get ready, pick me up, drop me off, and travel with me to the track meets. So I gotta make sure — if she’s gonna spend that much money and dedicate her time doing that — I’m going to come back home with something around my neck. I can’t have my mom do all that and come back home saying, ‘Oh, I lost,’ because I’m going to try my hardest and win.”
The financial demands of competing at the highest level can be overwhelming, so the Ray family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Grayson chase his dream on the national stage.
“I’d really hate for him to miss this opportunity, and especially with him being seated as high as he is, and therefore not show up due to finances, you know. So I’ve seen what this community can do and has done in the past and I know we can do this too,” said Gwen Ray, mother of Grayson Ray.
To support Grayson and help him take the next leap toward his Olympic dreams, visit the family’s GoFundMe page to donate.
Go for gold, Grayson!!
