He is the leading scorer.

He takes risky drives to the basket.

He puts his heart and soul into every game.

He is Trevor Koch, starting guard for the boys varsity basketball team.

Koch is easily recognizable on the court as a team leader, one who creates plays for his teammates and gets everyone involved in the game. When he’s not in the game, Koch is usually losing his voice on the bench calling out screens and shots from the other team. At practice, Koch works to every whistle and hits every line during running drills.

But what makes the man behind his impressive athletic career?

“I would consider myself a team leader,” said Koch. “Sometimes I get too mentally involved in the game, but I am always working to create success for both my team and myself.”

Like many other high school athletes, Koch’s love for his sport began at a young age. After being placed in a park district league by his father at just five years old, Koch remembers his love for basketball only growing from there. From his small park district team to the high school varsity team, Koch has always attempted to go above and beyond the expectations.

“I always work my hardest during practice,” said Koch. “To contribute to my success, I try to stay on the straight and narrow and not do anything stupid.”

It might be difficult for some to be as focused and committed as Koch, but coming from such a supportive family allows his smart behavior to come natural. Koch’s parents come to every game and are always the loudest in the crowd, and he couldn’t be prouder.

“My parents have always played a very supportive role in everything I’ve done in my entire life, especially sports– they hate missing even one game,” said Koch. “They’re [went] Puerto Rico and my mom even said she wished a blizzard would cancel her flight so she wouldn’t miss my games.”

Koch’s relationships with his teammates are just as good as with his parents, as he basically considers them family. Koch loves spending time with his team and greatly values the special bond they have that allows them to work together so well.

“We are all very close—we love to joke around and have fun together,” said Koch. “Our connection off the court leads to production on it.”

Koch’s positive relationships are key contributions to his athletic success. While every layup, free throw and jump shot are triumphs in Koch’s sports career, he remembers a specific game as a turning point in his game.

“One of the best moments playing basketball was my first game on varsity, junior year,” said Koch. “I came out to prove that I belonged on the team, and I feel like I truly did, as we ended up winning that game and I knew that I contributed to the victory.”

Coming out as a junior on the varsity team was not an easy task, but Koch has always tried to challenge himself in everything he does. He goes above and beyond at practice and maintains decent academics, something the average high schooler may not be able to balance. Koch prides himself in the extra effort that he puts in in every area of his life, and recommends it to all aspiring athletes.

“If you just put in average work, you won’t see results,” Koch said. “Always put in the extra effort because it will show and you’ll be happy with your results.”

Koch certainly lives by these words, and it is clear to everyone around him. It is truly obvious that beyond the high points, captain status, and well-known face, there is a hardworking young man who will do anything to leave a positive impact.