Pasadena High School Senior Becomes First-Ever Sri Lankan American Division 1 College Quarterback

Indiana Wijay, a senior at Pasadena High School, is making history as he prepares to take on a new challenge at the University of Houston. He’s set to become the first Sri Lankan American Division 1 quarterback.. 

“It’s very exciting, representing a community that doesn’t get enough recognition, and I just feel like I’m very grateful and proud to be a part of that community,” Wijay told KABC-TV news.

Wijay’s parents met at the University of Houston when they were both D1 athletes. Wijay and his sister grew up playing sports. His sister has committed to Texas A&M University to play volleyball.

Wijay credits his Bulldog team for being his family, and his coach, Dejuan Shamburger, says he’s been a leader both on and off the field. 

“A lot of them play football just because they like it. A lot of them play football because they love it, so you know it feels real good to see these guys go to the next level knowing that I coached them, so I can watch them a little bit on TV now, ‘Hey I coached him,’ and just see them follow their dream,” Shamburger told KABC.

While leaving the Pasadena community is tough, Wijay says he’s grateful for their support. 

“One of my favorite moments is definitely playing in the Rose Bowl and the known rivalry against Muir, it’s such a surreal moment having the entire Pasadena community support both teams with endless love,” Wijay said.

Wijay plans to major in business and follow in his dad’s footsteps as he heads off to Texas in the summer.