Following a worldwide shutdown that put many limitations on sports, senior Jalen Charity enters his final year at the high school with sports on the brain. Charity is a multisport athlete participating in varsity football, basketball, and track.
After the restrictions lifted this school year, it impacted not only academics, but sports as well. This change seems to have gone over well with student athletes this year.
“[This year has been] awesome because last year we had nobody in the stands, it was really boring,” Charity said. “Now this year, we don’t have to wear the face shields, we can actually play with some freedom.”
Charity’s last year as a student has been characterized by dedication and hard work. With offers from numerous colleges and outstanding reviews from the coaches, Charity is following a steady path to success.
“Jalen plays a huge role on the team, he has had a ton of college interest,” varsity basketball coach David Chana said. ”He is one of our most important guys and I’m not shy about saying that.”
The coaches and teams are the main reason Charity has the love he does for sports. The relationships and bonds between his teammates and coaches matter the most to Charity.
“Everyone on the team, I really love them,” Charity said. “We call each other family. There’s a lot of energy in everybody and it’s fun to play under the lights with them.”
Charity plays a big role in providing leadership to the team as well as great sportsmanship. Chana has high expectations of him, and remains confident that he will go far after graduation.
“I think Jalen’s greatest strength is definitely his leadership,” Chana said. “He’s a hard worker who leads from the front and leads by example.”
Charity’s final year of high school sports is accompanied by a familiar face who has played with him since elementary school. Charity’s relationship with Junior David Snow is a close one, playing all the same sports as him. Because of this, Snow looks up to him as an athlete and a person.
“He betters all of us, with him being naturally gifted and always going hard at practice, it makes us all go harder,” Snow said.
Charity also gains his motivation from others outside of the team as well. His parents, Dion and Hannah Charity, are his biggest supporters. They are role models for him, as they make it a priority to be involved in his life. They help him to achieve his goals and continue to strive for better.
“My parents have shown a lot of support and compassion for me, and guided me to the person I am today,” Charity said.
Charity’s hard work continues to show how it pays off in the form of success. As a junior, Charity was awarded with two All Conference Honorable Mentions in football and basketball, as well as an All Conference and All Region Honorable Mention, and placing ninth at state for track, his efforts are not left unnoticed. Charity’s goals are high for this season, he is hoping to receive all conference in all three of his sports this year, his track record is one that doesn’t disappoint, and this goal of his is not one that seems out of reach.
This year is bittersweet for Charity, graduation is looming and he knows he will miss not only the sports, but his teammates in particular. He will also graduate remembering his time as a student athlete, and will look forward to what his future has to come.