Faces off the field gives a deep look into the thoughts and lives of high school student-athletes in the Austin area. Today we feature Emy Chen, a senior guard from McCallum who spent six years hula dancing in elementary school.
All about Emy: Hula dancing, sharing time with old friends
Tell something about you that most people don’t know.
I danced hula for around six years in elementary school. I danced in competitions, performances and the local parade.
What was the best thing you did this summer?
The best thing I did this summer was take a road trip to Galveston with (former teammates) Sam Cowles, Esme Barraz and Sam Shreves. All three of them graduated last year, and I loved having this time with them. It made me realize how much I’ll miss them, but also how lucky I was for all of the memories we made in the past two years.
If you could be any superhero, who would you be?
I’d want to be Doctor Strange because he can turn back time, which would be a cool ability to manipulate. With telekinesis, I could put the ball in the basket every time.
If you had a choice of being valedictorian of your class or all-state in basketball, what would you choose?
I would choose to be all-state in basketball. There are thousands of valedictorians in Texas and only 20 players for all-state in each division. It would be an incredible honor to be one of the best in the state.
If a caveman lived in modern times, what do you think would fascinate him the most?
I think he would be the most fascinated by technology, particularly smartphones and computers. The concept that a small device can connect you to the entire world, let you communicate instantly or give you access to all kinds of knowledge would seem magical to a caveman.
Playoff revenge was sweet against East View
What’s your favorite memory of playing basketball at McCallum?
My favorite memory is the bus ride home after beating East View last year for bi-district. We lost to them the previous year, and going into that game, we really wanted our revenge. The energy in the bus was electric. We didn’t just win for ourselves; we won for that year’s seniors, and it made the victory even more special.
Do you have any plans for after you graduate?I plan on playing basketball at the collegiate level with a major in political science.
Has basketball taught you any lessons you apply to daily life?
Basketball has taught me that teamwork is about more than just playing together. It requires trusting each other and understanding that every person is crucial to the team’s success. Teams rely on a collective, and it can’t be done alone. The best teams communicate, celebrate victories and push through tough moments together.
Dream dinner: A grand time with human rights leader
If you could have dinner with any four people in the history of the world, who would they be?
I’m going to choose (late civil rights activist) Yuri Kochiyama and my grandparents.
Why did you pick Yuri Kochiyama?
I deeply admire her activism and commitment to solidarity, as she fought for human rights across different communities, not just her own. Her dedication to justice and equality has been an inspiration for me.
What would you want the meal to be?
I would want the meal to be anything cooked by my grandpa. He makes the best food, which is what I miss most in Texas.
Our other Austin-area basketball player interview
Westlake F Jack Seiders
