Cloe Bolen is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mountain Pointe High School for AZPreps365.com.

Many high school students dream of playing four years of high school sports and making it to the next level. For Chase Shumate, he was gripping on to hope to even be able to play two years. 

Shumate tore his ACL his freshman year which prevented him from playing his sophomore year as well. 

Heading into his junior year during the 2023-2024 season would be his first year of varsity football in the 6A division for Mountain Pointe. 

Mentally some games last season were tough for Shumate.

“I never thought I was gonna be able to get my speed back or have the mobility but it all was just a mental block,” Shumate said. 

Even through injury and success someone Shumate has always been able to fall back on is his mom. 

“I want to be able to repay her someday for everything she’s done for me,” Shumate said. 

“His mom has really raised him up right,” head coach Eric Lauer said. 

Shumate extends his gratitude for the life his mother has given him. But for coaches at Mountain Pointe, Shumates character stands out above all. 

“He’s never really too high and never too low,” defensive back coach Hudson said. “Chase leads more into actions than words.” 

This season - one that saw Mounain Pointe finish 6-5 overall after falling in the first round of the playoffs - Shumate led the team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns and was ranked No. 13 in Arizona for his kickoff return average but he would never be the one to tell you about that. Shumate even plays on both sides of the ball. 

“He’s not a huge vocal guy but you can’t deny the work he’s done and he’ll do it banged up and bruised,” Lauer said.

Chase sets an example for others on the team. He’s taken some hard hits and had to prioritize a schedule to make sure he can play again every game.

“Some guys want to tap out because they aren’t 100% but he’s been doing it with resilience,” Lauer said. 

“Everyone wants to do all the big things but Chase leads in some of the little things that you need to be great,” said coach Gene Hudson. 

Collectively both Lauer and Hudson attest to the growth Shumate made all season.

“The sheer growth we’ve seen and he’s still getting better every week,” Lauer said. “I think we’ll even see that in college.”

Hudson agreed.

“He’s just scratching the surface after having injuries and missing two years,” Hudson said. “I think in two years we’re really going to be hearing Chase's name.” 

Mountain Pointe secured a spot in the playoffs for the 2024-2025 season. 

“Looking back on it all I’m just blessed to get the opportunity from the schools that I have now,” Shumate said. 

He has committed to play for San Diego State University next season.