There are many roles to fill out a high school basketball team, and Pella Christian senior Trae Van Maanen highlights a group of players that fill a vital, but often unrecognized group of players for the Eagles’ boys basketball team.

While not seeing the floor as much as an athlete may want, Van Maanen has found other ways to impact the Pella Christian basketball program. A four-year member of the team, Trae has become the leader of the bench for the Eagles and provides energy for all of his teammates. While not the role he envisioned playing, Van Maanen says he’s found joy in using his talents to help prepare his teammates to be successful.

“As I got older I realized that I could still influence the team and make them better during practice and then bring energy during the games from the sideline. I think that’s always super fun just getting hype and being on the bench with everyone else.”

While the value the Trae brings to the basketball team may not always be evident, Pella Christian head coach JD Boer says that Van Maanen is one of the most well-rounded individuals he’s had the opportunity to coach.

“We have some extremely talented kids here at Pella Christian. I think Trae’s one of the most talented kids we have. The fact that he as a Junior was a part of the musical, and played an important role in the musical and then as a senior was the center on the offensive line starting every game is phenomenal to me. He’s also been an integral part of our basketball program, he’s also been an integral part of the soccer program. He sings for our chapels, he’s involved in the choir. I just love seeing that he is doing all those things and doing them well. So that encompasses a lot of his experiences.”

Hear more about Van Maanen from Pella Christian Winterim Intern and Trae’s teammate Tysen De Vries on Today’s Lely Radio Sports Page.