High school sports are about more than last night’s box score. They’re about student-athletes chasing big dreams while pushing through real adversity, and for Klein High School’s Chancellor Simpson, that journey has included a transition that stretches far beyond the court.
After being homeschooled through his sophomore year, Chancellor suddenly found himself in the middle of a Class 6A campus of more than 2,500 students—packed hallways, full classrooms, new routines, and earlier mornings all at once. But the biggest adjustment wasn’t just the size or the pace. As a hearing-impaired student-athlete, he was also learning how to communicate, compete, and keep up at the 6A level while navigating a world that isn’t built with him in mind.
“Going from homeschool to public school has been pretty different,” Chancellor said. “But I enjoy it. I like my classes. I appreciate my teachers and my coaches. They just made the first year for me really fun.”
As Chancellor adjusted to the speed and intensity of high school basketball, the entire team adjusted with him. His coaches and teammates had to rethink how they communicated, so nothing was lost in a loud, high-energy gym and everyone stayed connected on the court.
“When I got Chancellor, I thought he was a heck of an athlete. He was dunking at open gym, blocking every shot, and he was coachable,” Klein High Head Basketball Coach Darius Gatson said. “We’ve had to have hand signals, which is something I’m not accustomed to doing, but I think it helps me and helps everybody, not only him, when we can communicate through hand signals.”
At home, Chancellor’s family approached the transition with faith and determination. His mom, Teresa Jones, said moving from homeschool to public school brought a sense of anxiety, especially as she worked to ensure her son had what he needed to succeed.
“As a mom, I’m very protective. I’m definitely a mama bear,” Jones said. “Everyone has just kind of held our hand every step of the way, answered questions we needed. Everyone’s thriving and really enjoying it.”
Chancellor has found his place on campus in more ways than one. Along with basketball, he’s involved in the chess club and the Christian Fellowship Association, building friendships and connections throughout the Klein High community.
“Off the court, I hope I can be an inspiration to anybody; they might think, ‘Oh, I can’t do it because I have this,’” Chancellor said. “Growing up, I didn’t really see any player who had a hearing issue. But for me to get to try to be that one for somebody else, it’s very uplifting and motivating for me.”
Chancellor Simpson’s first season at Klein High is a reminder that success is measured in more than points and rebounds. It’s found in perseverance, in the people who step up to support one another, and in the courage it takes to walk into something new, ready to grow.
Chancellor, your Klein Family is so proud of you. The way you’ve taken on a new school, a new team, and new routines with confidence and humility is inspiring. Your perseverance and team-first mindset make the Klein High community stronger, and we’re excited to watch you continue to shine, on and off the court.
Watch Chancellor’s story here: https://youtu.be/ehPd0FkoqOI?si=XLgaf-vmYNgrYg69
Thank you to VYPE for their partnership and for spotlighting Chancellor.