At the University of La Verne, athletics is about more than what shows up on a stat sheet. It's about commitment, growth, and the belief that anyone willing to put in the work has a place. Few student-athletes embody that philosophy better than Ronald "Creeze" Banks.
Banks stands out the moment he steps onto the field, not because of flash, but because of presence. At 33, more than a decade older than the average collegiate football player, Banks brings a level of maturity, discipline, and life experience that can't be learned from a playbook or film session.
Before returning to the field as Ronald Banks, kick returner, wide receiver, and defensive back, he was Petty Officer Second Class, Master-at-Arms Ronald Banks of the United States Navy. After playing a season of junior college football, Banks shifted focus to help support his family and then enlisted in the Navy and served for eight years. While enlisted, he served in San Diego and overseas, assisting with public affairs, anti-terrorism, and humanitarian units. But his passion for football never waned. He played in a naval football league that competed against other bases to stay involved in the game. So when the opportunity arose to continue his education and compete again, he was ready.
"Football was always a dream. I started playing Pop Warner when I was five or six years old. When I came home after being overseas, I continued to play in flag football leagues up until I started working out with the team at La Verne," added Banks.
Banks first appeared on the University of La Verne sidelines as a freelance photographer, introduced to the University by senior student-photographer, Antonio "Cinco" Ceniceros. During halftime of one game, Banks was catching kicks when he got the eye of a member of the La Verne football staff.
"He said, let's see if you're eligible. I didn't think that was a thing since I was already 33, but then I checked, and I had a year of eligibility, and then I applied," said Banks.
He impressed Head Coach Richard Sanchez at a camp where he stood out as a man in his thirties, faster than the high schoolers he competed against, and was invited to join the team.
"I knew how fast I was. All the parents in the stand and the coaches were there, looking like, 'who is this old guy,'" added Banks. "When I finally met Coach Sanchez, his eyes lit up when I told him I was in the military. From there, we bonded and meshed from that conversation."
Banks took the opportunity and fully committed to seeing how far hard work could carry him. That commitment shows every day.
At La Verne, Banks' unconventional background is valued. His age and military experience have become assets, shaping him into a steady, reliable presence who understands the importance of preparation and accountability. Coaches trust him. Teammates lean on him. He's an example to recruits that there's no single blueprint for success.
Teammates describe Banks as someone who leads by example. The team listens to him and leans on him for the wisdom he's gained from life experience.
"He raises the standard for all of us," said teammate Noah Allen. "When you see how hard he works, it makes you want to match that energy."
"Noah was my guy. He showed me how everything worked, told me who I needed to talk to, and I could contact him if I needed anything. So even though he's younger than me, that's my younger, older brother when it came to showing me La Verne's culture," said Banks.
Off the field, Banks brings the same level of commitment to photography. A self-taught photographer, Banks taught himself the craft through patience, repetition, curiosity, and hustle. He began by taking pictures of the sunsets while commuting between his home in Ventura County and his base in San Diego.
"I just fell in love with photography at that point," said Banks. "I was selling landscape and sunset pictures, then contacted public affairs at my base, and started taking pictures at retirement ceremonies and other events."
Taking photographs at concerts led to his friendship with Ceniceros, who invited him to photograph a La Verne football game.
"I didn't even know La Verne existed. When I showed up, I was embraced by the environment and the culture," said Banks. "Cinco told me about the photography program, and I thought I'd be a good addition to it. Then, just me watching a game of football reignited that love that I felt for football when I was a kid."
Photography gives him another outlet for storytelling and creativity. He lives out the opportunity that the University of La Verne and NCAA Division III provide for student-athletes, the ability to dedicate themselves to a passion outside of sports.
For Banks, being a Leopard isn't just about returning to football. It's about finishing what he started, challenging himself in new ways, and showing what's possible when opportunity meets effort.
"It's never too late. I've been in chaotic situations overseas and as a civilian plenty of times, but I think that only makes the journey worth it. Don't let an age barrier stop you. Yes, it's going to take a lot of extra work, but you have to ask yourself, how badly do you want to succeed?" concluded Banks.
As he heads to graduation this weekend, Banks sends a powerful message to all future Leopards. At the University of La Verne, no matter your age or background, if you're willing to put in the work, you belong here.
