Derrick Gordon, a sophomore basketball player at the University of Massachusetts, has become the first openly gay Division I athlete in men's college basketball, ESPN.com reported.

Gordon, 22, first told his family, friends, and teammates about his sexuality in the beginning of April. After he came out to those closest to him, he decided to make a public statement.

"I just didn't want to hide anymore, in any way," Gordon told ESPN. "I didn't want to have to lie or sneak. I've been waiting and watching for the last few months, wondering when a Division I player would come out, and finally I just said, 'Why not me?'"

He also used his social media accounts on Twitter and Instagram to share the news.

"I am the first Division 1 male basketball player to come out and not the last. I AM gay. I'm not afraid. I'm not alone," he tweeted.

Gordon also shared a longer post on a new Twitter account and Instagram.

"This is the happiest I have ever been in my 22 Years of living...No more HIDING!!!" Gordon said on his accounts. "...Just want to live life happy and play the sport that I love...Really would love to thank my family, friends, coaches, and teammates for supporting me....I would also like to thank my support team Wade Davis, Jason Collins, Brian Sims, Micah Porter, Anthony Nicodemo, Patrick Burke,Billy Bean, Gerald McCullough, Kirk Walker...You guys are AWESOME!!! Ready to get back in the gym with my teammates and get on the GRIND and get ready for next season!!!! #BETRUE #BEYOURSELF #HONEYBADGER."

Gordon, a New Jersey native, told ESPN that watching Jason Collins come out as the first openly gay NBA player inspired him to tell others the truth.

"That was so important to me, knowing that sexuality didn't matter, that the NBA was OK with it," Gordon said.

The athletic director at UMass issued a statement expressing the community's support for Gordon, commending his bravery.

"UMass is proud to have Derrick Gordon as a member of our athletic family and to honor his courage and openness as a gay student-athlete," athletic director John McCutcheon said in a statement. "UMass is committed to creating a welcoming climate where every student-athlete, coach and staff member can be true to themselves as they pursue their athletic, academic and professional goals."