From Taipei, Taiwan to North Bridgton: Ben Sachse is Playing His Own Tune
As ready as Ben Sachse was for Bridgton Academy and the American basketball experience, he still admits that his attitude was set straight right from the start. “I quickly realized that I’m not here just for fun. I immediately focused on what I’m here for…to take an extra year to develop myself as an athlete and play college basketball,” states Sachse. For a young man 7,600 miles away from home, the excuses were few and the purpose came into focus quickly. “I went to International school in Taiwan for a reason,” continues Sachse, “Academically I’m a strong student. I needed a year to settle down in the United States and mature. I’m ready for this.”
Ben was born in Shanghai, China. His mother was from Taipei and his dad from Leavenworth, Kansas, and he grew up in Taipei and the Netherlands. Passionate about basketball and wanting to pursue college in the US, Ben found his perfect next step at Bridgton. After deferring his acceptance to Grinnell College in Iowa, Sachse settled in with his Wolverine teammates to gain all he could from one of the most respected prep basketball schools in the country. Ben shares that it took a bit of time but that, “guys are finding their roles and the chemistry is good” on this year’s Bridgton Academy squad. “I have a great coach and teammates,” he continued. “We care for each other.” Sachse sees growth in himself and his teammates as the season progresses. At competitive programs like Bridgton, practice is a great opportunity to test your skills and improve on a daily basis. “We all have a common goal–reaching the next level–and we play for each other more,” notes Sachse. That common goal reaffirms his desire to play college basketball; however, not at the expense of academics. He understands that “student” is clearly first in “student-athlete.”
Sachse talks briefly and easily about academics. He is undecided about a major thus far. Math and physics are both an option, as is engineering, which is one of his second semester Bridgton classes. His academic confidence is apparent in his lack of concern; regardless of major, he knows he will do well. Music is also a part of the equation. A self-taught pianist, Sachse practices at least an hour a day in the chapel, sometimes even teaching a Bridgton brother the keys to “tickling the ivory.” Though he considers a music minor, he wants to keep his music an “extra.” School and basketball take priority, while music remains a passionate outlet that he continues to practice without formal tutoring; according to Sachse, “it is not something to study.” It is, however, a factor in deciding where he may eventually go to school. “I love having opportunities to play (music) with different people,” he noted. “I have friends in Boston, and it feels like they have so many more people to connect with.” The more plentiful and diverse opportunities in cities may be the deciding factor in his school of choice. Regardless of where he decides to go, Ben Sachse is destined for great things, and his Bridgton family will be pulling for him the whole way.
