In the run to the program's sixth basketball state title, Tucker Nooe played a key role in The Woodlands Christian Academy's success this past year.
The success on the floor at TWCA has translated into an opportunity at the next level. On April 24, Nooe verbally committed to the Air Force Academy to continue his academic and athletic career.
VYPE's Joshua Koch caught up with Nooe recently to talk his commitment, future with the Air Force and the impact TWCA has had on him.
VYPE: What is it like to get the opportunity to play at Air Force and what went into the decision to head there?
Nooe: "It's really been a process. The whole recruiting process has been crazy. Over the last year Air Force has reached out to me and they started recruiting me last summer. They've always been in contact and talking with me. They came to see me three times on campus and I was planning to go visit before all the Coronavirus stuff happened. The firing of their head coach didn't really impact my decision and talking with the new coach Joe Scott really helped my decision along. He is a great coach, he knows how to develop his players and I really think I can improve my game with him. I think I can find success there at the academy."
VYPE: What does it mean to you to represent the United States Air Force when you pull that jersey on?
Nooe: "It's a great opportunity. I love that I get to represent that part of the country. I love that I get to put that uniform on, I love everything about what it represents. I actually have an uncle who was in the Air Force. I really am looking forward to playing there. It's a great school, rich with tradition and I'm looking forward to being a part of it."
VYPE: What are your plans after you finish your time at the Air Force Academy?
Nooe: "Being a military academy you have to serve for four years out of the academy. So, I would serve for four years wherever as a second lieutenant and be in charge of 40 to 50 people. That's what's great about the academy is it gives such a good opportunity out of college. You have an excellent education, you can get a job almost anywhere and you're immediately making a good amount of money as a graduate."
VYPE: Did your family ties to the military affect you choosing this path?
Nooe: "I don't think it had any ties to my decision but I really just valued it a lot. My aunt also serves, so I really knew what I was getting in to. My family is not a huge military family but I feel like it was a good opportunity for me. I got to talk with her about it. I just think that I would love to be a part of it to represent my family and my country."
VYPE: What did this last year at TWCA mean to you?
Nooe: "It was incredible. You can't get that experience anywhere else. The basketball was just great. The coaches really helped me progress along the way and helped me develop my game and I got to play with some of the best talent in all of Houston. The team was great, we had great chemistry. I really enjoyed playing with those guys. I also had a great experience at TWCA as well. I had great relationships with teachers, administrators and students. The academics were good and also had a good spiritual connection with everyone there. So, I think it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I wouldn't be going where I am today without it."
