Jallen Messersmith became the first college basketball player to reveal that he's gay and thus far, he's received nothing but support and well wishes.

Messersmith's goal was to be known as a gay student athlete without causing a commotion. He just wanted to be accepted the way he was before the announcement.

"I wanted it to be that I was still a basketball player who just happened to be gay," he told OutSports.com in a profile posted on Tuesday.

Messersmith was raised in the Mormon Church, but once he learned the church's opposition to homosexuality, he immediately disassociated himself. He attends a Catholic college, another church that does not agree with homosexuality. Still, Benedictine College Athletic Director Charlie Gartenmayer expressed support for his basketball team's forward in a statement.

"We support Jallen as a Benedictine College student and as a member of the Raven basketball team," he said. "Obviously, it would be inappropriate for us to discuss the private lives of students. As an institution we treat all students with respect and sensitivity."

Messersmith said his teammates have not treated him differently; only now, he can be candid about his dating life with them. He said he gets teased in good-natured fun just like anyone else on the team.

"I'm just one of the guys, who happens to like guys," he said

Messersmith, who has said he does not associate himself with any religious practice, is among a handful of athletes who have made their homosexuality public. Jason Collins, a free agent center in the NBA, became the first player in American team sports to publically come out.

Last week, Los Angeles Galaxy soccer player Robbie Rogers became the first openly gay athlete in American team sports to compete in a game. After being selected first overall in the WNBA draft, Brittany Griner discussed her homosexuality with Sports Illustrated.

Messersmith's teammate and best friend Brett Fisher described him as a "hustler" on the court, praising his tough style of play.

"He's doing the dirty work for the team. He's getting the blocks on defense, he's getting every rebound. We like him on the team," Fisher told OutSports.com.

Messersmith led his team by a large margin in blocks, with 53, and averaged just under five points per game.

Click here to read more about Messersmith's announcement.