All-Metro player of the year: After four stellar seasons, Trinity's Elaina Chapman is ready to head to UR
BY DREW FLORES Richmond Times-Dispatch·8 hours ago
Elaina Chapman didn't just dominate one aspect of games on her way to becoming the Times-Dispatch girls basketball player of the year. She turned in complete performances nightly.
During her senior season, she posted 19.5 points per game and 11.4 rebounds per game for Trinity Episcopal, also contributing 1.4 assists, 2.6 steals and 1.4 blocks on a nightly basis.
It's something she said she couldn't have foreseen when her high school career began.
"I never thought I would be able to reach 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds when I came on as a freshman," she said.
She reached both landmarks, scoring 2,060 points and grabbing 1,120 career rebounds.
In the process, Chapman demonstrated what a pillar of consistency looks like, and became a role model to not just her senior teammates, but future generations of Trinity girls basketball players.
"We are going to miss her leadership on the court and in the locker room," said Trinity coach Adam Lonon.
Chapman credits Lonon for helping her develop into that leader he adored so much.
"He really pushed me to be more vocal," said Chapman. "He allowed me to become the player I am now."
Along with Lonon, Chapman has always looked to her parents as her rock.
"They are some of my biggest motivators."
Her dominance doesn't end on the hardwood. Chapman is an excellent student; she will finish her high school academic career with a 4.0 GPA.
Chapman will be attending the University of Richmond to continue her academic and athletic career. While there, she will be pursuing a pre-med degree, and would eventually like to become a doctor once her playing days are behind her.
Chapman's father played basketball at North Carolina A&T, one of the colleges she looked at going to play at, but she ultimately decided to stay home and play in Richmond. She will be joined by her Titan teammate Angel Burgos.
One of Chapman's fondest memories of her senior season was being able to win the Times-Dispatch Invitational Tournament.
She helped her squad beat Cosby, one of the area's top programs. The matchup pitted her and fellow first-team All-Metro standout Nia Covington against one another.
"It felt so good to beat such a talented team," Chapman said.
Chapman said she will always relish her days as a Titan.
"I will miss the humor," she said. "During games we always had a serious tone, but were always able to find the fun and humor in things."
As a model of consistency for her team she always tried to instill in the younger players that "working together as a team and being able to trust your teammates and also trusting what you can bring to the game will always help you win."
Opponents will be happy to not see Chapman any more next season, but will still have to worry about another Chapman for two more seasons, as Elaina's younger sister Alyssa also plays for the school.
"Be confident and trust in your skills," is the message Elaina gave her sister.
Chapman's legacy will not soon be forgotten as a Titan, and is just starting as a Spider.
