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JT played for the Toros from 2002-2005, earning 1st-team NSCAA All-Region and 2nd-team All-CCAA honors as a senior.

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CSUDH Soccer Program to Dedicate 2008 Season to Former Toro Jaret 'JT' Minami

Carson, CA -- A 2006 Cal State Dominguez Hills graduate and Toros men's soccer player from 2002-05, #Jaret Minami# passed away on August 3 at Torrance Memorial Hospital at the age of 25.

A standout player for head coach Joe Flanagan and the Toros, JT made 47 starts in 61 games played in his career, capping a four-year stint with 1st-team NSCAA All-Region and 2nd-team All-CCAA honors during his senior season.  In that memorable campaign, the backbone of CSUDH's defensive unit helped lead the Toros to the NCAA Division II West Region Title and the NCAA D-II Quarterfinals, eventually falling to host and eventual National Champion Fort Lewis College.


Former teammate and current MLS Houston Dynamo Kei Kamara pays respect to JT after scoring a goal against the New England Revolution on August 5, 2008.
  
The 5'9” Torrance native and West Torrance HS alum enjoyed career bests 18 starts and 20 games played as a senior, notching six assists in his four years on the field, but will be most remembered for his intensity and hard-nosed approach to the game he loved to play.

Off the field, the Business Administration major was very involved in the Honors Program during his four years, culminating with a Dr. Hal Charnofsky Male Scholar Athlete of the Year Award he received in 2006.

“JT was definitely the most quietly competitive person I have ever met or coached,” begins Flanagan, who played with Minami after Jaret finished his college playing career.  “He had a confident smile that brought confidence to the coaching staff because we knew he was ready for any battle that came his way.

“Players like him are why you coach,” continued Flanagan, whose team will wear JT's number 3 on their sleeve this season in Minami's honor.  “I've known him as a student and as a teammate, and he was extremely well-liked by his peers and teammates.  He enjoyed the game, enjoyed life and always had that smile on his face.  He's probably the nicest kid I've ever coached, and I'll always remember that smile.  He will be missed.”

The Minami family will hold a reception celebrating Jaret's life this Sunday, August 10, at 6:00 pm, in the Loker Student Union Ballroom on the CSUDH campus, which follow funeral services earlier in the afternoon.

Additionally, the “Jaret Minami Memorial Scholarship Fund” has been established, and the family is asking that donations be made to this fund in lieu of flowers, which will create an endowment scholarship in Jaret's honor.  Checks should be made payable to CSUDH Foundation with the notation “Jaret Minami Memorial Scholarship,” and can be sent to CSU Dominguez Hills, c/o Office of Development, 1000 East Victoria Street, Carson, CA 90747.

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