BEVERLY — Peabody’s AJ Forte is making himself known as a star basketball player for Endicott College’s men’s basketball team – and he’s only a freshman.
Forte, who was a multiple-sport athlete at Peabody High School, said it was a difficult decision choosing collegiate-level soccer or basketball. Currently a freshman at the Beverly-based college, Forte said he found himself quickly transitioning into his new environment.
“I expected to be super overwhelmed here, compared to Peabody, but I think I’m doing pretty well,” he said.
Forte’s athletic career in Peabody may have made his transition much smoother. The 5-11, 160-pound guard scored 1,223 points during his four years at Peabody High.
Although he now lives less than five miles from home, Forte said his life took a meaningful shift when he arrived at Endicott in August, but he visits home often and doesn’t forget where he came from.
“I miss Peabody. I got to play with these kids that I grew up with. They were my best friends,” Forte said.
Forte’s impact on Peabody’s athletics program helped him develop as a player, as it’s not every day when an athlete takes all-Northeastern Conference honors both junior and senior year, in addition to joining the 1,000-point club as a senior. Forte scored NEC honors on the soccer field as well, solidifying his Tanner legacy.
Thad Broughton, Peabody’s varsity basketball head coach, called Forte a “role model” for fellow Peabody High athletes, as well as younger fans.
Peabody youth, former high school teammates, and even former teachers show up to Forte’s games at Endicott.
“Anthony (AJ) is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached,” Broughton said of Forte, who has maintained a 3.7 GPA during his first semester at Endicott. “[He was the] model of everything we wanted as a Peabody athlete.”
Forte’s academic and athletic discipline isn’t surprising to Endicott’s men’s basketball head coach, Kevin Bettencourt, who is also a Peabody native.
“AJ has a really good chance of being successful in all areas at Endicott,” Bettencourt said.
This summer, Forte plans to continue hooping with the P2P Summer Basketball League. He is also looking for opportunities to coach younger players in Peabody.
“I want to give back to the community that gave me so much,” Forte said. “It means a lot that I am where I am today because of the people who helped me.”
Forte, an accounting major, said he’s not sure what post-college life will look like, but for now, he’s committed to making a difference at The Nest.
“Working hard is my biggest focus right now,” said Forte, who’s currently averaging 8.5 points per game on 41.5 percent shooting. “I love this sport.”
Taylor Anderson is a student at Endicott College studying journalism. This article was produced by a student reporter for the Massachusetts News Service of Endicott College in partnership with The Daily Item.
