For Nathan Chen ’25, graduating from Pine Crest is more than a milestone—it’s a legacy. The son of Pine Crest alumnus Gordon Chen ’97 and the nephew of alumnus Christopher Chen ’94, Nathan spent his high school years walking the same halls, competing on the same fields and learning in the same classrooms his family once did.
“I think it's pretty cool that my dad and uncle went here,” he said. “When my dad visits, he’ll point out where he lived in the dorms or talk about playing football on the same field. It’s been special to share that connection.”
Like his father, Nathan is a decorated student-athlete, excelling in football and wrestling. While he dabbled in weightlifting, his true athletic passion lies in the one-on-one intensity of wrestling. “It’s the most individual contact sport we have at Pine Crest. When you win or lose, it’s all on you,” he said. “That pressure can break some people, but for me, it’s a chance to keep getting better.”
That drive has paid off. This year, he advanced to the state finals—pinning a top-seeded opponent in the semifinals—and took second place in his weight class. Just as meaningful was sharing the experience with his younger brother Andrew ’27, who also qualified for the state championship for the first time. “We’ve trained together for years, and to both make it this year, and to coach him along the way—it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Wrestling has taught him more than just technique. As captain for four years, he’s learned how to lead with patience and integrity—traits he credits in part to Coach Miguel, who he says is “the role model I want to be.” He’s also taken on a leadership role at the Youth Impact Center (YIC), where he helps organize practices and works with student-athletes from across South Florida.
“YIC invites student-athletes from all over South Florida, from Miami to West Palm to train with us, which has been a really great leadership experience,” Nathan said. “As a leader of the practices, I’m able to help these student-athletes make connections. It’s been really cool to meet new people and see what they want to do. It has been an opportunity to make new connections and broaden my perspective.”
Nathan’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. In his junior year, a rare ankle injury sidelined him in preseason football. It took months—and eventually surgery—for doctors to properly diagnose a torn membrane between his shin bones. “It was a hard time,” he admitted, “but I learned a lot about perseverance and patience.”
Academically, he’s just as determined as he is on the wrestling mat. Even while juggling three sports and challenging courses like Multivariable Calculus and AP Chemistry, he’s learned to manage his time with precision. “Pine Crest can be intense,” he said, “but it’s not about brute-force hard work—it’s about working smart. If you stay on top of things and use your time wisely, it’s manageable.”
This fall, Nathan will attend Vanderbilt University, where he plans to study pre-med—a path that runs in the family. “My parents, grandparents, even my uncle are all doctors. But it’s not something they pushed on me. I genuinely find it fascinating.” He’ll be joined by his cousin and lifelong friend, John, who will also start at Vanderbilt this fall.
While he doesn’t plan to compete on a varsity team, athletics will remain part of Nathan’s life beyond Pine Crest. “Vanderbilt doesn’t have wrestling, but I’m hoping to find a club or maybe try out other martial arts,” he said. “Right now I’m getting into boxing.”
Looking ahead, he has two pieces of advice for incoming Pine Crest ninth graders: “Work hard consistently and manage your time well. And don’t wait to do your assignments. If you use your free periods and do a little extra studying, it really goes a long way.”
As for what he’ll miss most about Pine Crest? “The sense of community,” he said. “Everyone here really cares. I hope that never changes.”