See all posts in the Kirk’s Captain Corner series
(Kirk’s Captain Corner is a regular feature that will allow Carver County residents to get to know the student-leaders of the various teams in our high schools. Today, we feature senior Tray Lenzen, Co-Captain of the Chaska Hawks Boys Basketball team.)
How long have you been playing basketball?
I’ve been playing community basketball since kindergarten but started playing travel ball in third grade with a renegade team. I started to play high school basketball my freshman year and have loved every second of it.
What has playing in the Chaska program meant to you?
Playing in the Chaska program has been one of the best things for me. I’ve been blessed to have great coaches throughout my entire life and especially during high school. The program at Chaska has always meant a lot to me. Ever since I was little, I remember coming to games and watching the highschoolers playing and wishing that I could be one of them someday. So now, being able to be someone that those kids get to look up to, is something really special.
You just scored your 1,000th point, a milestone that all high school basketball players aspire to. What did it mean to you to join the 1,000-point club?
Joining this club has a personal meaning to me because three of them were my neighbors, two of them I’ve played against their kids, and one I played with their grandkid. So being able to be a part of that club is not only an honor to have my name next to theirs, but being connected to them outside of basketball makes it even more special.
You will be continuing your basketball career at Northwestern College in Iowa next season. What made you fall in love with the Red Raiders program
One of the main things that helped my decision and helped me fall in love was their focus on faith. They want to make sure that their students aren’t only good students and good athletes, but also great people when they come out of the school. Another reason is also their coaching staff. Their staff there made me feel welcomed from the moment I stepped on the campus. All of their players did the same as well. I had never met them before, but they all treated me like family right away.
Your sister, Anna, also plays college basketball for the University of Mary in North Dakota. What advice has she given you about being a college student-athlete?
The main bit of advice that she’s given me is that being a student comes first. If you want to play in college, you have to have good grades. So, to always focus on your grades, and then just have fun and work hard when you get the time to practice, because playing in college isn’t something that everyone will get to experience.
What recommendation would you give anyone looking to buy a new vehicle?
Well, I’d say the best thing I can do is to call my dad at Lenzen Chevrolet and Buick. He’ll tell you all you need to know about the best two brands of cars.
What does it mean to you to be a team captain?
To be a team captain means everything. It means that people come to you when they have questions on a play or a set. When you’re a captain, you gotta keep your head up and keep everyone around you positive. You have to lead by example. Always giving it your all in practices and in games.
