Vernon Hills senior center Emily Ochieng has already lived on three continents.

Born in Kenya, Ochieng moved to Switzerland when she was 4 years old and came to the United States in the middle of her freshman year.

“Being exposed to different languages and cultures at such a young age taught me adaptability and opened my perspective early on,” she said.

Ochieng picked up basketball in Switzerland early in the coronavirus pandemic.

“I played on a team made up mostly of boys in an environment that really pushed me to become more aggressive, confident and competitive, and it helped me grow quickly as a player,” she said.

Since then, the 5-foot-10 Ochieng has grown into a player who can make an impact all over the court for Vernon Hills (9-2, 4-0), which leads the Central Suburban North. A third-year starter, Ochieng is averaging 3.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.5 steals. She had eight points and four rebounds in the Cougars’ key conference win over Highland Park on Dec. 12.

“Emily has taken more steps this season,” Vernon Hills coach Paul Brettner said. “She has helped with press break and will get the ball and go. She has developed more of her ball-handling skills. She plays good team defense, is more vocal, and is a team leader and captain.

“We’re not the same without her, on and off the court. She is making that big of an imprint for us.”

Vernon Hills junior point guard Emma Jocson, who is averaging 11.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.7 steals, agreed that Ochieng is an important part of the Cougars’ winning formula.

“Her leadership and mindset are what make Emily essential on this team,” Jocson said. “She comes to practice with a positive attitude and great energy. She holds us accountable and is always willing to give advice to the younger players.”

Vernon Hills’ Keira Thomas (25) and Emily Ochieng (14) celebrate after a teammate hit a 3-pointer during a nonconference game against Warren in Vernon Hills on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Rob Dicker / News-Sun)

Vernon Hills senior forward Madison Mays, who is averaging 5.4 points and 8.3 rebounds, echoed Jocson.

“Emily is an essential glue player because she brings energy, effort and positivity every day,” Mays said. “She does the little things on the court that help the team succeed and supports her teammates off the court, making everyone better and keeping the team connected.”

Ochieng, who also plays flag football, has plenty of experience with younger kids. She has three sisters whose ages range from 5 to 16.

“My sisters keep me on my toes, especially the youngest,” Ochieng said. “It’s a fun experience. When you are the oldest of the four, it helps not only with basketball but with my other sports in how to handle more pressure. I’m better at leading teams and being a captain because I have a leadership role at home, which also reflects in my game. It also helped me be more responsible.”

Ochieng also is a member of several organizations at school, and she coached fifth graders in the Vernon Hills Park District’s basketball program.

“I really like being active, knowing I can help other people with the skills I’ve learned to better themselves,” she said. “All the experiences have helped me become a better person and to have an impact on the people I meet every day.”

Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/basketball-vernon-hills-emily-ochieng/