Gianfiero Jorell Chaveli: The First Indonesian Basketball Student Manager at Vallivue High School
Gianfiero Jorell Chaveli: The First Indonesian Basketball Student Manager at Vallivue High School
Gianfiero Jorell Chaveli, known as Joey, is the first Indonesian basketball manager to make his mark at Vallivue High School in the United States. Joey has defied expectations and proven that determination, skill, and passion can outshine any challenges coming his way.
A Journey Sparked by Opportunity
Joey's journey in American basketball began with a golden opportunity provided by Coach Mario Betancourt. Reflecting on his start, he shares, "Aku bisa di environment itu karena Coach Betancourt yang kasih opportunity untuk work for the team, and I know it's the beginning of a good journey sih." This chance not only allowed him to grow as a fellow student but also paved the way for unforgettable experiences in an entirely new environment.
Cultural Encounters and Identity
Being an international student comes with its fair share of challenges, and for Joey, one of the most interesting ones was introducing his American peers to Indonesia. "Pengalaman ketemu Americans itu definitely a unique experience. My friends are Hispanic and they don't know where Indonesia is; they thought it's a Filipino island. Same as my Coach Braden Riley, who thought Bali is a country! So I have to give a lot of explanation ke dia and my friends lmao."
Despite these cultural mix-ups, Joey embraced the opportunity to educate those around him about his homeland, strengthening his identity while forming close friendships along the way.
Unforgettable Moments on the Court
Among Joey's most cherished memories is the Classic of Damien Tournament 2023 in Los Angeles, a national-level event. "My favorite moment was definitely Classic Of Damien Tournament 2023 in Los Angeles, the National Tournament. We didn’t do good in LA, but we had fun." He also recalls the emotional experience of Senior Night, a bittersweet event marking his final game as the student manager senior. "Senior Night is my favorite too… it's emotional knowing it's my last game."
Joey’s contributions as a student manager to Vallivue’s basketball team were significant. One of the standout games was when Vallivue defeated Nampa 77-54, keeping their hopes alive in the District Tournament. The team also took part in the second annual Indonesian Night game on January 25, 2025, where Vallivue Varsity Basketball faced off against Caldwell. His final game as a senior basketball manager was an especially memorable moment, made even more special by the support from the IndoIdaho community.
A Shoutout to the Coaches
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of his coaches. Joey is especially grateful for Coach Mario Betancourt, who gave him the opportunity to be part of the team and support the team as the student basketball manager. "Make sure to give him a shout out though, he deserves it!"
He also shares a strong bond with Coach Braden Riley, describing their relationship as that of best friends: "Me and Coach Riley are also best friends, we're like buddies." Joey also has a special nickname, "Indo" among his teammates and coaches!
Being Indonesian and a Basketball Student Manager at the same time is fantastic!
Joey's story is one of resilience and passion. He has paved the way for future Indonesian students who dream of making it in American high school basketball. If you are passionate enough about something that you love, there is always a way to make it happen! Though his high school journey is coming to an end, his story will remain an inspiration to many—both on and off the court. As he moves forward, one thing is certain: Gianfiero "Joey" Jorell Chaveli has left an indelible mark at Vallivue High School, and his journey is just beginning. He's pursuing his dream to become a sports broadcaster at Idaho State University. Best luck Joey!