By Alex Valle — Staff Writer
While most basketball players dream of going pro, freshman guard Zach Chappell aspires to take his talents to a place of worship.
At Capital Christian High School, Chappell was a two-time Golden Empire League MVP and closed out his senior year averaging 20.3 points and 4.3 assists. He finished his high school career ranked No. 43 in the 2018 California recruiting class.
He learned much more than just basketball from Capital Christian. Kevin Chappell, Zach’s father, had high praise for his son’s alma mater.
“He transferred to Capital Christian in the eighth grade and really picked up his faith,” he said. “They really teach the kids and Zach was willing to respond.”
Once he was more exposed to his faith at home and at school, Zach planned his next steps. Unlike many college athletes, the freshman wanted to become a youth pastor.
“The mentors I had guided me and were there for me. I just always respected them and what they did for me,” he said. “I feel like there’s a lot of kids out there that can use somebody like that.”
The most important mentor in the Sacramento native’s life has been his father. He showed Zach basketball as early as kindergarten and shortly would become his first coach.
Throughout their relationship, they also shared their love for their faith.
“My dad and I have a really faith-based relationship,” the freshman said. “We check up on each other to make sure we’re reading The Bible and send each other Scriptures.”
By actively sharing each other’s passions, the guard has been able to learn a lot of life lessons that have translated onto the court.
Chappell decided that becoming a youth pastor was his future goal because he loves to help others and has realized that, “with kids, if you help them early, it prevents them from going out in the streets.”
Being a leader and being able to give someone the opportunity to be better is something Zach has implemented in his game. He has become a floor general and helps everyone around him.
One example of this in his basketball career came in his senior year of high school.
College recruiters wanted to see him showcase his ability to score more than his usual game as the playmaker.
When given the opportunity against a lower-tier team, Chappell decided to remain focused and assist a struggling teammate. After the game, Zach told his father his teammate “was having a hard time shooting” and he wanted to get him ready for the playoffs.
He ignored what was best for himself and decided to put the team first.
During his time with the Spartans this season, head coach Jean Prioleau boasts that Chappell is “one of the best ball handlers” on the team.
He was recruited because of his passing, dribbling and shooting. Prioleau feels Chappell is the complete package of a player with his talent and character.
Although his transition from high school to college has been “tough,” Chappell is always looking to get better.
“If I don’t make sure that I’m doing what I need to do, then I’m not going to be a good teammate,” he said.
Prioleau is hopeful for Zach’s future insisting that as he matures and goes through the transition, you’ll start to see him do more with the ball in attacking.
With all this support from the people around him, the guard is poised for growth as he continues to learn.
Displaying who he is on and off the court, Chappell shows everyone that he can become the youth pastor he strives to be and a positive impact on those around him.
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