SLCC red-shirt freshman guard Collin Chiverton had a unique and challenging childhood while growing up in the Bay Area.
When asked about some of those challenges, the St. Mary’s transfer paused and said, “So far, the biggest challenge for me has come from living with my mother.”
During his senior year of high school in San Jose, CA., Chiverton’s mother, Vanessa, suffered a stroke. It wasn’t the first time he’d been through this type of family trauma. When he was five, his grandmother experienced a stroke as well.
“It has just been a life-changing experience,” says Chiverton.
Chiverton’s life-changing experiences, whether on or off the court, can be seen through the way he plays basketball.
“Last year, during my freshman year of college [St. Mary’s University], I got into a bit of trouble,” Chiverton says.
But Chiverton says his coach was very supportive of him throughout the whole situation, though it was a disappointing time for him. Chiverton red-shirted and then decided to transfer to SLCC.
Chiverton was the Central Coast Section (CCS) Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American nominee. He was the West Catholic Athletic League Player of the Year, setting league records for points and three pointers made.
“I had a wonderful senior season, ” says Chiverton.
“I grew from the whole situation. I learned to appreciate others,” says Chiverton, who leads the Bruins in scoring at 14.5 points per game.
At San Jose’s Archbishop Mitty High School, Chiverton was used to taking on the main role as a basketball player. When he reached the college level, he had to make the transition from a primary source to a secondary option, and he had to play with a team focus instead of doing things single-handedly.
“It’s something that I have had to adjust to. I had to start trusting guys that I usually don’t. I had to get to know my teammates, both on and off the court,” says Chiverton.
Chiverton says his relationship with his teammates has evolved tremendously.
“I now have a great relationship with each of my teammates. We laugh together, we joke with each other and show good team work,” says Chiverton, “We just clicked.”
Chiverton has never been part of a championship team but believes that as long as his team works hard and sticks together; repeating as national champs is within reach.
“We can do anything we put our minds to. That’s how confident I am in this team.”
Chiverton also says that being part of a winning squad creates a level of competition that puts added pressure on the players. “It feels good, but as defending champions, we understand that we are the targets, simply because everyone is gunning for us.”
When asked about the impact basketball has had on his life, Chiverton says, “It definitely slows things down. Living in the Bay Area in California made for a fast-paced lifestyle. People are involved in dangerous things, so getting caught up in that is pretty easy to do.”
“A number of my family members are involved in crime issues and drugs. I’ve always been a basketball player, so I’ve never gotten caught up in that. If I didn’t play basketball…I don’t know where I’d be right now,” says Chiverton.
When asked to describe himself as a player, Chiverton laughs and says, “I would describe myself as strong-willed, a leader, and very welcoming as a teammate. I like to keep things loose and joke around and make people laugh, even though basketball is serious business. I just like to have fun.”