Watching his older sister play basketball sparked a similar passion for freshman El Chen. Starting in second grade, where he played his first organized basketball league in Seal Bay, California, Chen continued to play, where he landed a spot on the varsity girls basketball roster. 

Chen would always watch his older sister, Emy Chen, a McCallum alumni, play basketball and think about playing for himself. 

“I would always think ‘I want to be just like her,”” Chen said.

With his new determination for basketball, Chen played with VFW, a basketball club, in California before moving to Austin when he started 6th grade. Chen played basketball for the Lamar Middle School A-team during his 7th and 8th grade years before coming to McCallum. 

Chen recognizes the differences between middle school and high school basketball, namely, how high school basketball is quicker and more aggressive. 

“It’s a lot faster paced, and the competition is very different,” Chen said. “There are a lot more challenges.”

When Chen found out he had made the varsity team, he was shocked.

“I was really excited and surprised,” Chen said. 

Since the season has started, Chen’s teammates have noticed the changes he is making to the team. When one of his teammates got injured, Chen was quick to step in.

“Early in our season, El stepped up and took on a big role as our point guard when our senior captain was out with an injury,” sophomore Darryn Sorrells said. 

Chen also has skills that help the team on and off the court.

“He’s amazing at passing and his court vision is amazing as well,” junior Ruby Airhart said. “He’s also super compassionate and kind and makes sure that everyone is okay.” 

Chen has also proved to be a trustworthy and reliable player on the basketball court. 

“El has extremely good court vision and ball handling,” Sorrells said. “I know I can take off down the court and he will get the ball up to me for a fast break layup.” 

Playing on the McCallum varsity isn’t Chen’s and Sorrells’ first time playing together. Before Chen came to McCallum, he played AAU basketball with Sorrells. Sorrells says that the previous experience together has helped them on the McCallum court.

“The transition was seamless and overall easy,” Sorrells said. 

Since Airhart and Sorrells were both freshmen on varsity, they know the difficulties that come with it. They try to show Chen compassion and give advice when needed. 

“I tell him mostly just don’t beat yourself up too much,” Airhart said. “Sometimes it feels like a lot coming in and being new to the program, so I just let him know that you’re there for a reason and let him know that he’s doing great.”

Sorrells agrees with Airhart that it’s important to reassure Chen.

“I try my best to remind El that he’s super talented and on this team for a reason,” Sorrells said.

Chen looks up to everyone on the team, and he appreciates all their advice.

“They are all older than me and have more experience than me, so I look up to them and their wisdom,” Chen said.

Since starting his freshman basketball season, Chen has set goals for himself to complete, mainly becoming a better all-around player. 

“I’ve been working on my control and my shot,” Chen said. “I think it’s starting to get there.”

He also chose to focus on being more adaptable.

“I want to grow as a player, get better, and learn how to play in a different environment,” Chen said.

Sorrells and Airhart both got to play with El’s older sister Emy, and are excited that her younger sibling gets to play at McCallum. 

“His sister left last year, so it’s kind of fun for the family to still be there, going strong,” Airhart said.

Sorrells continues to give advice to Chen, but realizes that Chen has gotten most of it from his older sister. 

“Last year as a freshman, I had the opportunity to play with great teammates, including El’s sister Emy, so any advice I could give, El has more than likely heard before.” 

Chen has proven to be a valuable player for the McCallum varsity team with his basketball skills, but also with his emotional skills.

“His enthusiasm and his willingness to grow, I think takes him really far,” Airhart said.