Arizona Compass Prep (AZCP) is a charter school located in Chandler, Arizona. The basketball program is on the rise at the school, but after only winning 1 game in 5 years at the school, school officials realized they needed to make a change. They brought in former NBA player Ray Weathers this season, and the program has made amazing strides - winning this year's conference title and posting a 9-0 record thus far this high school season.
Those close to the basketball program at Arizona Compass Prep, and many people that have known the kids in the program have marveled this season at the tremendous development and changes in these young man. Head coach Ray Weathers has made a dramatic difference in the lives of the young men he has come in contact with, and he has been very clear on where his strength and commitment level has come from.
"I do not waver," said Weathers. "I am on an assignment from the Lord. This is not about be. I am here to change the lives of these young men - growing the Kingdom of God. We are seeing a manifestation take place. Many people talk, I walk it. We have to be an inspiration to these young men. They are looking for consistency."
A native of the state of Michigan where attended Jackson High School, the same high school program as the late Gary Thompkins (Arizona Preps staff member that passed away in 2016), Weathers played for Michigan State, before a brief stint with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns in 2003-04. Weathers also played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), as well as in China, Japan, Greece, Germany, Austria, Holland, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Hungary before ending his excellent playing career.
"I have lived it," said Weathers. "I have played at the highest level, so I bring an experience to these young men that they need. There is nothing that they go through that I have not seen."
Weathers gave his life to the Lord and became a born again Christian later in his life, after his playing career. He is now focused primarily on living for God and changing the lives of the people he comes in contact with - young or old.
Weathers has a statement that he preaches and believes in, and you can find it on any media content that he is featured on. It reads, "As long as you've got passion, faith and are willing to work hard, you can do anything you want in this life."
Weathers lives by these words and teaches it daily with a non-wavering commitment to the young men he teaches and coaches at Arizona Compass Prep. The fruits of his seed planting are beginning to harvest - much earlier than expected at the high school program.
"Glory be to God," said Weathers. "What God is doing at this program is truly amazing. I am just the vessel that he has allowed to carry out his word."
The athletics program at Arizona Compass Prep is absolutely on the rise and also includes Brian Echols, a close friend of Weathers and a former NFL player (New York Jets) that also attended Michigan State. Echols is the head football coach and also has the same commitment as Weathers, while developing all of the sports programs at the school. Look for the football program the have the same outcomes next high school season, as these two men and their families are focused and committed to the youth of Arizona.
Arizona Compass Prep School has been in operation for more than a decade (15 years) and has grades 7 through 12. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit and is a tuition free, open enrollment public charter located in the beautiful city of Chandler, Arizona. The school has excellent academics and highly individualized instruction, small classes and focuses on creating a family-like, community-centered environment. The program is dedicated to ensuring students succeed to their highest potential - no matter their current level. AZCP focuses on Academics, Arts and Athletics to deliver a well rounded education to students.
Please contact Angela Weathers @ 480-779-2000 (Select Option 2 for AZ Compass Prep) to schedule an appointment or stop by to get enrollment information.
