The Calvin Sports Information Office recently caught up with freshman
Owen Varnado who recently completed a standout campaign with the MIAA champion Calvin men's basketball team. Varnado averaged 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds a game on a Calvin team that finished 22-5 overall and won the league with a 13-1 conference record. In the classroom, he has also sparkled as a Calvin Dean's List student. The following is a question and answer session with the freshman forward from Muskegon (Western Michigan Christian High School).
Q: When did you start playing basketball and did you play other sports growing up? How did basketball become your lead sport?
A: I started playing basketball when I was in second grade. I would get dragged along to my brother's basketball practices where my dad was the coach. I would have nothing else to do besides dribble a basketball off to the side and that's when I began to fall in love with the sport. Ever since then, basketball has been my favorite sport to be a part of and I hope I will always be able to have it in my life.
Q: Tell us a bit about your decision to come to Calvin. What led you to become a Calvin Knight? How did your family help you with that decision?
A: As my senior year approached, I wanted to make sure that the next school I was going to would be able to fulfill my needs in three different areas: academics, atmosphere, and athletics. Calvin did just that. I love the challenge that Calvin offers academically. It challenges my way of thinking and makes me a more intelligent person who can serve my community better. Another reason Calvin was a great fit for me was the community here. Calvin offers a very tight-knit community where I know that I'm cared for by all sorts of people from classmates to staff to alumni. Lastly, athletics was an important part for me because it has always been something I have been passionate about. Calvin's winning history in all our sports programs, not just basketball, and the promise of the future for our teams here convinced me that I should call Calvin home.
Q: How Would You Describe Your First Year as a Collegiate Basketball Player at Calvin?
A: My first year as a college basketball player here at Calvin was amazing. It was better than I could have imagined it. After watching the team make the NCAA tournament last year and knowing that we would be losing a lot of seniors, it made me a little anxious coming into this season. I didn't quite know where I was going to fit in and how I would contribute to the team. However, as the season approached, my coaches and teammates did an excellent job of preparing me both mentally and physically for the task ahead. The memories that I made with this team are some of the best memories I have. This past season makes me even more excited about the next few seasons to come.
Q: To Follow – What Was Your Favorite Memory of the 2022-23 Season?
A: My favorite memory of the season would have to be going to Florida over Christmas break with the team. That helped our team bond and become so much closer, and I will forever be thankful for that opportunity. We did so many things on that trip, but I think my favorite was when a few of the guys, including myself, started playing soccer against a few local kids. It was great because I couldn't tell who was having more fun between the kids and us.
Q: Your First Cousin is Boston Celtics Standout Jaylen Brown. What was it like to have him in Van Noord Arena to watch you play this past November and how do you keep in touch?
A: It is a privilege to have Jaylen come to my games. It means a lot that my family comes from all over the country to support me in what I do. I am beyond blessed to have a cousin who plays professional basketball that can offer me advice on his journey with basketball and it has helped me to get where I am today. I keep in touch with Jaylen often. I went and visited him over spring break this year to go visit and stay for a few games. Jaylen is such an inspiration for me, and I hope to show the same level of passion for the game as he does.
Q: Academically – Have you declared an academic major? What Would You Like to Do After College?
A: My declared major is Economics. That was my favorite class I took during my junior year of high school, so I decided to explore my curiosity. I self-taught myself two AP economics classes during my senior year which sealed the deal for me. After my time at Calvin, I plan on getting a master's degree in business administration. From there, I would love to get a job doing some sort of market analysis. Whether that is for the US government or Disney, I would love to do research in the markets.
Q: Where is your favorite place to hang out or spend time on campus?
A: I have two favorite places on campus. My favorite place on campus to study and do homework is the team locker room. It is very relaxed in there and there are some very comfy recliner chairs in there too. My other favorite place on campus is just a few doors down from the locker room. I love being in Calvin's training room. Our athletic training staff is filled with some of the best people I know. The athletic trainer for men's basketball, Jessica Rhodes, is amazing. She is always so helpful whenever I get injured or just have questions. She also has great sense of humor, and I am so incredibly thankful that we have her here at Calvin.
Q: Last question: Why has Division III been a good fit for you?
A: Division III has been a good fit for me because it has allowed me to have so many great opportunities. I can play the most competitive basketball I have ever played while receiving a fantastic education. At Division III, I can have a "small college" experience where I get to know my professors and they get to know me on a personal level. I am so glad that I made the decision to go to Division III and I would encourage many others to do the same.
