The spotlight is a familiar sight for Coppell sophomore Jacob Anene. Whether it be from the stadium or the court, Anene’s talent grabs the attention of the light within him.

He plays wide receiver in football and a point guard in basketball, while also running the 100-meter relay.

Growing up, Anene was surrounded by many sports such as soccer, football and basketball. With the agile foot coordination from soccer and the rapid speed obtained from track, these sports helped Anene be well rounded. 

“On defense, he’s got a lot of potential,” Coppell basketball coach Ryan Murphy said. “He played soccer for years, and that helps him with his foot work.”

Being a part of a sports family, Anene is constantly surrounded by hard workers, especially his three sisters Olly, Emmy and Sophia Anene who play soccer, basketball and volleyball, respectively.

“Jacob is someone who comes from a really good family,” Murphy said. “He’s someone that is very competitive by nature which helps grow our program.” 

Anene’s experience in knowing what to do in order to get the outcome his team needs allows for the basketball program to improve. 

“Bringing that experience and that level of success into the basketball program is something that is very valuable,” Murphy said. 

Throughout Anene’s sports journey, he continues to grow his confidence and his skills. With this, his passion grows for each sport through the progress that he makes. 

“The better I get, it makes me keep working at it,” Anene said. 

Coppell football coach Antonio Wiley thinks Anene’s skills have led to a  successful season.

“He does a great job,” Wiley said. “Jacob helps out the football team in many ways with how athletic he is and his strength.” 

When playing both basketball and football, friendship goes a long way for Anene as it allows him to connect with his teammates to make plays better and more efficient.

“I enjoy playing with my friends, and making new friends,” Anene said. “It’s like having a family in both teams.”

Having these close friends allows for more trust on the field and the court. Anene’s teammates can feel confident that he is capable of achieving the necessary plays. 

“I just know he is going to be there,” sophomore quarterback Carter Zinglemann said. “We always try our best. We don’t quit on each other. It’s just good to have someone like that by your side.”

High standards is a common factor in both sports and school for Anene. His parents help embody that, and push him to do his best.

“My parents want me to focus on school and sports,” Anene said. “I like having parents that push me in both athletics and academics. It helps me focus better.”

Balancing academics and athletics has proven to his teachers the potential that he has in both areas.

“I have him in class and he does a good job there,” Murphy said. “He is a very very solid, well rounded student athlete.”

As Anene grows, Wiley thinks Anene has no limits to his ceiling.

“He’s just a good young man all around,” Wiley said. “The sky’s the limit for Jacob.”