By Jack Walker ‘25
I was four years old when I picked up a basketball for the first time. I started my basketball career at the Crestwood Recreation Center. It was at that very moment I knew this is what I would do for the rest of my childhood. Now, I have just finished my high school career at Brother Rice, ending it with a trip down to Champaign, Illinois, where we played in the state championship. Sadly, we did not come out on top, but we have done something that no other team has done in school history. We are the first Crusader basketball team to take a trip downstate, and that is something I will talk about for the rest of my life.
There are some very important people that have been right by my side through this journey, through the ups and downs, the good times and the hard times. Those people are my dad, my mom, and my brother. My goal was to play high school basketball for the Brother Rice Crusaders. Without them, I would not be able to say I have accomplished that.
My mom is easily my number one fan. Ever since I was little, I could always hear her screaming for me in the stands. She has always done whatever she can to help support my dreams of playing basketball. I remember times when she would come with me to the gym and rebound for me, even though she did not have to. My mom has done so much to support me, it would take me years to repay her. Now I did not play as much as I hoped to have and I embraced that. She was able to see me start the game and score on senior night, and see me get in the state semifinal game against St. Patricks.
Seeing my mom’s face after the games, the huge smiles and happy tears, meant the world to me. It made me feel accomplished, and I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to make her proud. I am truly going to miss seeing her face after our games and giving her the biggest hug. When I stepped out on that court, I was playing for my number one fan.
My dad has been my coach from the time I was four, until I was 13. He has pushed me and gotten me to where I am today. My dad did play in high school, but it wasn’t his favorite sport. He took ten years out of his life to learn the game of basketball and coach me just because it was my passion. Words can’t describe how grateful I am for that. He has believed in me through my whole career, even when I didn’t believe in myself. From the countless hours in the gym to driving me out of state to my tournaments, or the times we fought and argued, to the times we smiled and laughed, basketball has given us the opportunity to grow our relationship. I am going to miss spending these times with him. He is truly my hero and someone I try to model myself after. Without him, I don’t know where I would be. He instilled a work ethic and discipline that has gotten me thus far. I am proud to call him my dad.
Last but not least, is my little brother Gavin. Gavin has followed in my footsteps and has played basketball his whole life. He also attends Brother Rice where he is finishing his sophomore year. My career may be ending, but Gavin’s is just beginning. I hope that I was someone he was able to look up to. If there is anything I would have wanted him to learn is to believe in yourself and don’t listen to what others have to say about you. Gavin is the hardest worker I know, always asking Dad if he can drive him to school to get shots up. I hate to say this, but I think he will one day be a better basketball player than me. That’s only because he got to learn from the best! It is now his turn to carry on the Walker name. It makes me happy knowing my mom and dad still get to cheer him on. I am so excited to see him grow, and I know great things are to come for him. I want to thank him for being my basketball buddy.
My family is the most important thing in my life. Having them around me during my basketball career has been the greatest 14 years of my life. I will remember all the moments, the good and the bad. Thank you, Brother Rice Basketball, for giving me the opportunity to achieve my dreams and prolonging my journey that I got to share with my family. I am proud to be a Crusader and very proud to be a Walker!
