Jallen Messersmith Becomes First Openly Gay, Mormon College Basketball Player, Teammates Fully Support Him

Jallen Messersmith recently contacted OutSports.com about his sexual orientation, becoming the first openly gay, Mormon college basketball player.

Messersmith, 20, plays for liberal arts Catholic school Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Since coming out to his team last year, his teammates have shown tremendous support by treating him just like one of the guys.

"He's a very outgoing player and if you need an example of a hustler, it's him," says Brett Fisher, Benedictine guard and Messersmith's best friend.

"He's doing the dirty work for the team. He's getting the blocks on defense, he's getting every rebound. We like him on the team."

"When I started coming out, I didn't have anyone to look to for advice or to see how their story went," says Messersmith regarding his decision to tell his story.

"I always wanted to put it out there and I had a great experience with it and I wanted to show people it could be fine."

This came just before NBA player Jason Collins came out, becoming the first open gay professional athlete in American team sports.

"I think that's awesome!" says Messersmith regarding Collins.

Benedictine College released a statement Wednesday showing their "support [for] Jallen as a Benedictine College student and as a member of the Raven basketball team."

"Obviously, it would be inappropriate for us to discuss the private lives of students. As an institution we treat all students with respect and sensitivity."

Being raised Mormon made his perspective on homosexuality difficult, recalls Messersmith.

"My mom had told me all growing up that if for some reason somebody was gay, they would support them. But going to church, all I heard was 'this is bad, this is bad, this is bad.' When I heard stuff like that, all I did was try to get away from it."

But thanks to his coach, Ryan Moody, coming out has become synonymous with team spirit.

"They were there 100% for me," Messersmith said. "They said it would not make any difference in the way the team was run. And they wanted to make sure it wouldn't change my experience at the school. That was awesome. After that, I felt like I could do anything."

"If you are comfortable with yourself, you can do anything."