Given Kalipinde ’09

After a 19.5-hour flight, Given Kalipinde made his way to The Holy Hill from Lusaka, Zambia. He transferred to EHS as a junior and made an immediate impact on both the soccer and basketball teams. During his first season on the soccer field he scored 19 goals and added 20 assists, leading the team to the state semifinals and earning All-IAC, All-State, and Honorable Mention All-Met honors. During his senior season, he led the team with 14 goals and 22 assists, including two goals in the State Championship win. He earned All-IAC, VISAA Co-State Player of the Year, Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year, and USA Today and ESPN/RISE Third Team All-American.

A talented soccer player, Kalipinde was equally gifted on the basketball court and the track. He was awarded First Team All-State and All-IAC during both his junior and senior basketball seasons. During his junior year he led the team to a 16-8 record, third place in the IAC and State tournament quarterfinal round. His game averages earned an Honorable Mention All-Met from The Washington Post. His senior season, Kalipinde averaged 21.8 PPG and led EHS to a record of 18-8 and a second-place finish in the IAC. Kalipinde played a significant role in helping the track team capture the 2009 IAC Championship. He scored 36 critical points towards the team total and earned All-IAC honors. 

“He is certainly one of the most gifted and talented athletes to ever compete for the EHS Maroon” head basketball coach, Jim Fitzpatrick said. “His kindness and warm personality were infectious. Given Kalipinde the athlete was amazing; Given Kalipinde the human being was, and still is, special.”

Kalipinde continued his basketball career at Loyola Marymount University and concluded his career at Bellevue University.

View Kalipinde's Hall of Fame induction acceptance speech here.