Participating in basketball since he was young, Tyler Pepin’s positions have transitioned from point guard to shooting guard. Basketball being his favorite sport, his life is surrounded by his joy for it. “I like listening to music. I’m also a certified scuba diver. It’s hard to do it around here, but, when possible, I do it. A lot of my life is just basketball if I’m not physically playing or thinking about it, I’m watching my games to learn how to get better,” Pepin explained. “I would encourage students to play a sport. Every one of them I’ve done have helped me in everyday life, like getting a B on a test and I know I can do better and learning to work hard.”
Pepin used to live in Chicago where his love for basketball grew. From his dad taking him to games and the inspiration from his favorite player, Derrick Rose, who played for the Chicago Bulls, to playing for Seneca Valley since 6th grade.
School and basketball are a lot to handle but having friends along the way can be a good boost. Nick Provenzano, junior, says, “Tyler is funny. He cares about his friends, like going to his place every weekend and playing cards. He is also private and reticent and very engaged.”
Another friend, Max Wagstaff, junior, shares a memory with Pepin. “One time at a party, some kid thought I threw a water bottle at him. I thought they were going to fight me since they kept getting in my face. Tyler and another friend stood up for me. He’s definitely a good friend.”
Pepin, one of the many talented, determined kids in school, has already gotten so far. Many believe that he will exceed his goals for the future, which consist of college basketball and a chance to study marine biology at the University of Tampa in Florida. He is confident and ready to take on his junior season.