Collin Ross didn’t pick up a basketball until eighth grade. Fast forward just a few years, and he’s now nationally ranked, committed to a Division I program, and transformed into one of the most promising forwards in the country.

After transferring from a public school in Atlanta, Collin arrived at SPIRE Academy for his senior year with a clear goal: prepare for the next level. He had just completed a summer of focused training, and by the end of his season at SPIRE, he had added over 20 pounds of muscle and significantly elevated his game. 

During his senior season at SPIRE, Ross averaged 12.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 65 percent from the field and 37 percent from three. 

Now in his post-graduate year at SPIRE, Ross continues to sharpen his skills and mindset — a stretch that has elevated his profile and drawn interest from top Division I programs nationwide.

Ross first connected with SPIRE Coach Jay Slone back in Georgia, after going head-to-head during a local game. “For his size, he was a special mover, super fluid, but still raw skill-wise,” Slone recalled. “When I saw him again a few months later at a workout, I couldn’t believe how much better he’d gotten. And no one was talking about him yet.”

Their connection grew quickly. Collin joined Slone’s AAU team, then followed him to SPIRE, where the environment accelerated his development.

“The coaches here hold you to a standard where the only outcome is growth,” Collin said. “The training is efficient. It teaches you how to play the game at a college level. If I had gone straight from my old school to college, I wouldn’t be ready.”

More than just coaching, SPIRE offered Collin access to the full ecosystem: 24/7 gym access, advanced recovery tools, and a structured program that shaped both his mindset and performance. “There were times we were pushed through drills that felt impossible. You have to figure it out. That toughness changed everything for me. Now I always find a way to succeed.”

That mindset helped him rise from an under-the-radar player to the 45th-ranked prospect in the country, earning more than 25 Division I offers along the way. In the end, he chose to continue his career at Virginia Commonwealth University.

At VCU, Collin is eager to make an immediate impact in the Atlantic 10, building on his playmaking ability and outside shooting. He sees the program’s staff and facilities as the perfect place to further develop his skills while also pursuing a degree in business and finance. 

Collin’s journey is just beginning, but his transformation at SPIRE is proof of what happens when potential meets preparation.

Learn more about the SPIRE PG Program.