Eatonville HS Senior Jaiden Sobczyk Signs with Simpson University to Fish Collegiately

From a young boy fishing with his Grandpa Jeff to a trailblazing high school senior building his own bass fishing team, Jaiden Sobczyk’s journey has come full circle. The Eatonville High School senior officially signed with Simpson University to compete on their collegiate bass fishing team, taking his passion, leadership, and angling talent to the next level. He also makes history as the first student in Eatonville High School history to receive a college scholarship for fishing.

Eatonville High School’s Jaiden Sobczyk makes it official, signing his national letter of intent to fish collegiately for Simpson University. He’ll join the Red Hawks fishing team and continue his passion at the next level. Photo: Stevi Sobczyk

For Sobczyk, the decision to sign with Simpson is more than just about fishing—it's about faith, family, and future.

“Committing to Simpson felt like the perfect fit for me both academically and athletically,” Sobczyk said. “Their strong faith-based environment aligns with how I was raised, and the small class sizes remind me of Eatonville. On top of that, getting to compete at a high level and be part of a close-knit fishing team was everything I was looking for.”

Jaiden’s love for fishing began at age three, during family visits to his grandfather’s place. Those early memories sparked a lifelong passion that only grew stronger with time.

“I connected with fishing instantly,” he said. “Later on, when we lived on Canyon Lake in California, I’d be out all day with locals, catching big bass and catfish. At the time, I didn’t even realize how big some of those fish were.”

After moving back to Washington, Jaiden never let go of that fishing rod. But it was around eighth grade when his interest shifted specifically to bass fishing. That’s when the true grind began: endless YouTube tutorials, experimenting with baits and techniques, and long days out at Ohop Lake with his best friend Jason.

“Our moms would drop us off early and Jason and I would fish all day,” Jaiden recalled. “We didn’t know everything, but we learned through trial and error and had a blast doing it.”

Jaiden and his best friend Jason Naro, who tragically passed a few years ago, proudly show off their 1st and 2nd place plaques following one of the high school bass fishing tournaments. Photo: Stevi Sobczyk

At age 15, Sobczyk got his first taste of competitive fishing when a family friend invited him onto a bass boat.

“That trip changed everything,” he said. “He told me about a local bass club—but I had to be 16 to join. I waited, and once I was old enough, I got nominated and voted in.”

Jaiden didn’t stop there. When he realized Eatonville High School didn’t have a bass fishing team, he decided to create one himself. With help from contacts like the Washington State High School Bass Tournament Director, he navigated the process—organizing meetings, recruiting students, and finding adult boat captains.

“It was a brand-new idea for the school,” Jaiden explained. “There was no playbook. But I asked questions, stayed persistent, and leaned on people who had done it before. Seeing it all come together made it 100% worth it.”

Founding Eatonville’s bass fishing team taught Jaiden more than casting and catching—it taught him leadership.

“It helped me grow as a communicator, an organizer, and a mentor,” he said. “Now I want to combine that passion for fishing with leadership in whatever I do—whether it’s a career in fishing, real estate, or launching my own business one day.”

Jaiden hopes the team he helped create will outlive his time at Eatonville—especially for his younger brothers, who might one day fish the same tournaments.

“I want to leave behind opportunity, passion, and community,” he said. “A place where students can find confidence and be part of something bigger than themselves.”

With the signing official, Jaiden will head to Simpson University in Redding, California, where he’ll join a nationally ranked bass fishing program under new Head Coach Michael Bray.

Coach Bray saw something special in Jaiden from the start.

“Jaiden is advanced in every aspect of bass fishing,” Bray said. “From his skillset on the water to his ability to market himself and lead others—he’s a rare combination. That makes him a perfect fit for our program.”

Bray is entering his first season as head coach and is focused on building a new team culture—one he believes Jaiden can help shape.

“He understands the strategy, technology, and structure of tournament fishing,” Bray said. “But more importantly, he has the drive to better himself and the emotional intelligence to represent himself and the university well. He’s going to be a huge asset to our team dynamic.”

Simpson’s team currently ranks 37th in the nation, and with incoming talent like Jaiden, Bray sees the potential to climb even higher.

“Our team is nearly doubling in size,” Bray noted. “As the program grows, so do the opportunities for anglers like Jaiden—on the water and beyond it.”

Jaiden will major in Business and Marketing, a choice that aligns perfectly with his goals in the fishing world.

“Business and marketing give me the tools to build my brand, work with sponsors, and eventually start something of my own,” he said. “I’m already guiding trips on Alder Lake this summer, and I’m working on launching my own fishing brand.”

Balancing schoolwork and competition will be a challenge, but Jaiden says he’s ready for it.

“It takes discipline, but I’m planning to stay organized, communicate with professors, and use travel time wisely. Fishing has taught me how to focus and plan, and I’ll bring those same skills to the classroom.”

His on-the-water goals are just as ambitious.

“I want to push myself, win big tournaments, and help put Simpson on the map in collegiate bass fishing.”

Jaiden is quick to credit the people who helped him reach this milestone, especially his local fishing community.

“I’ve had so many people step up—being captains when I needed one, helping me rig my boat, giving advice on gear and technique,” he said. “I’ve also been volunteering to help run high school tournaments. Seeing how much work goes into those events gave me a deep appreciation for what others do.”

He encourages younger anglers to do the same.

“Get involved,” he said. “Help out at tournaments, ask questions, and surround yourself with the right people. That’s how you grow in this sport.”

In five to ten years, Jaiden Sobczyk envisions running a fishing company, building a career in real estate, and staying competitive on the water.

“I want to keep fishing at a high level, but also help others get into it,” he said. “For me, success means growing in every part of life—on and off the water.”

To younger anglers, he offers simple but powerful advice: “You get what you put in. Take that first step, work hard, and surround yourself with the right people.”

With a signed letter of intent, a boatload of ambition, and a passion that’s already opened doors, Jaiden’s story is just beginning.