Way To Play Volunteer Spotlight – Varsity Basketball Athlete Lachlan Chow

Lachlan Chow is an elite basketball player out of Australia. In middle school, Lachlan played in 18U tournaments as a 14 year old, playing almost four years up! Making the Thacher Varsity Basketball Team as a freshman, Lachlan is an inspiration to his teammates, leading the Toads to success every game. Today, he will be sharing his experience with Way to Play as a dedicated volunteer, attending all of Way to Play’s basketball clinics. Today, we will be sharing some of Lachlan’s perspectives on basketball and his involvement with Way to Play.

Photo credit to Holly Roberts. Lachlan scores a layup to put the Thacher Toads in front.

How many Way to Play events have you volunteered for? Since when?

I have volunteered for around 4 events since the beginning of Way to Play. 

What has been your favorite memory volunteering for Way to Play?

My favorite memory volunteering for Way to Play has been the Basketball workshops. It is during these workshops that I am able to teach and give back to the community what I have learned throughout my adolescence. I personally love playing basketball and have done so for about 8 years, so teaching the younger generation to love and play basketball has been really fulfilling. 

What is your favorite memory from your own childhood related to sports?

My favorite memory from my childhood related to basketball was winning the 2022 Australian Schools National Basketball Championship. I was on the team in the U20 division, and I was 14 years old at the time. From this experience, I cherish the bonding we had as a team, and also the camaraderie of everyone. Although I was young, the team was welcoming and helped me learn and thrive throughout the tournament. 

What keeps you coming back to volunteer at Way to Play Events?

I keep volunteering at Way to Play because I want to share my love of basketball with the younger generation. I can do that through volunteering. 

What advice would you give to a first-time Way to Play volunteer? 

Embrace teaching and be patient. Understand that the people you are teaching are kids and don’t understand everything, so it is your duty to teach them that in the kindest way possible. 

How has volunteering at Way to Play impacted you personally? What did you learn from it?

Volunteering at Way to Play has been different from other forms of volunteering in that I am teaching while also giving back to the community, rather than simply giving back. I think volunteering at Way to Play has helped me become a better person by fostering patience, kindness, and responsibility. It is through waking up early and building the discipline to attend these volunteering events that I put myself in a position to learn and build emotionally, physically, and spiritually.