Chaise Pfanstiel '19 Recruiting Profile

I've had a basketball in my hands for as long as I can remember.  I don't remember how old I was when I started playing basketball just that I can't remember a time when I didn't.  My Mom signed me up for basketball when I was 3 with my sister who was 2 years older and told me say I was 5 too so we could play in the same session and she wouldn't have to take us at two different times because she had to work.  So I 'accidentally' played 2 years up when I was little.

Growing up in a house with 8 kids expectations are high from our parents and we all learned to take care of ourselves, but had each other too.

I hope to get a degree in communications and be a side line reporter some day.  I love to play and watch all sports and one of the tougher decisions I've had to make was giving up club soccer which was also one of my passions.  I do still play for my high school and it is my dream that we bring home a state championship in both basketball and soccer in the same year before I graduate.  (We've been runner up in both so we're close).

If I had to describe what basketball has done for me, I would say it has given me GRIT.   Playing when you're hurt, showing up for the 6:00 a.m. practice, putting in the hours dribbling when I'm exhausted, or coming home from a game and having to study for a test the next day, or missing a night out with friends or a vacation with my family- all of it, but I have to believe it will all be worth it someday.  

To be honest, I don't feel I have had to overcome obstacles to get here so far- not that I won't, but I've been lucky and I'm grateful for my family and all their support.

Lastly, I think my greatest characteristic is that I know what I want and I'm not afraid to just be myself.