Choon-Hee Chae '17 Recruiting Profile

I am a self-taught ball handler. I learned most of the basic skills the summer after my 7th grade year, when I fell in love with the game. I learned basketball by playing "pick-up" with the boys in the park. After I learned how to handle and shoot the ball, I earned the boys' respect and they welcomed me on the court. I am a hard worker, athletic, and can improvise/think fast on the court. Most girls who are at the elite level have personal trainers. I knew I wouldn't have that luxury because my dad is a single father who is a teacher. I knew if I wanted to compete, I had to work hard and learn how to play the game on my own. Pick-up has given me advantages over many girls/teams where money is no object. My athleticism also allows me to learn quickly.  My father has modeled that nothing in life is given and you have to work hard at everything.  He has been my number one fan and he has done everything he can to make me successful by paying for club basketball even though we really couldn't afford it (working extra jobs during the summer).  He also works endlessly for his students and through this, he taught me how important my education truly is since he has always worked with underprivileged kids.  I don't take things for granted and work hard because I know how loyal my dad is.  I know we don't have a lot, but at the same time we have plenty.