On the court, Sophomore Chase Rawlings is focused and dedicated to the sport he has loved his entire life. Basketball has been a steady part of Rawlings’ life, even during a season that has notgone as planned. 

“It’s all right,” Rawlings said. “We’re not doing very good; it’s not like super fun.”

The connection to the sport did not happen by chance. Someone close to him set the example and shaped the connection early.

“My dad was pretty good in high school, and I just wanted to be like him,” Rawlings said

Over time, Rawlings developed a clear favorite part of the game. 

“Shooting threes all the time in games and practice is the most fun I have,” Rawlings said. 

Not every aspect of basketball comes naturally; some parts are challenging.

“Defense is hard for me,” Rawlings said. “I don’t like it for some reason.”

Personal pressure is another obstacle he faces.

“Pressure is a challenge whenever I have the ball, while I’m on offense,” Rawlings said.

Still, improvement comes through dedication and practice. 

“Getting in the gym and working on things that I’m not very good at helps me improve,” Rawlings said.

Whether practicing shots or pushing through pressure, Rawlings continues to stay focused on the game that has inspired him from the start.