Erwan Merlin: An American high school dream

PHOTO: Erwan Merlin, number 23, scores against Elk Grove on Jan. 27. (Courtesy Photo/Alec Bevan)

By Stella Maze

BlueDevilHUB.com Staff––

Davis High junior Erwan Merlin moved to Davis from Nancy, France last summer.

Merlin’s passion for basketball was one of the reasons he wanted to come to the United States. The high school sports program at Davis High is one thing that really stands out to Merlin about the U.S.

“For me, playing in high school was unimaginable until I played here,” Merlin said.

In France, Merlin’s schooling was much more intense. School would be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and sometimes as late as 6 p.m. What’s more, sports weren’t connected to schooling so everything had to be extracurricular.

Basketball has been Merlin’s greatest love ever since his older brother introduced him to the sport when he was 8 years old.

“Since then I haven’t stopped and I’ll do everything to make my dreams come true,” he said.

Merlin was able to come to the U.S. through the Rotary exchange program. Part of the program ensures that each student stays with three different host families for four months each. Right now Merlin is staying with his second host family since coming to Davis, the Sheppards.

Owen Sheppard, a DHS senior, has really enjoyed housing Merlin.

“My family has been able to learn from his culture and teach him ours,” Sheppard said.

Sheppard said that Merlin is competitive even off the court.

“We have had several exciting game nights with Erwan.” Sheppard said.

Merlin: An American high school dream

Owen Sheppard’s father, Cliff Sheppard, Merlin’s host father, is a Rotary member which is how the family heard about Merlin’s need for a host.

“Erwan has the type of personality that makes him a perfect fit for an exchange student,” Julie Sheppard, Merlin’s host mother said.

Julie said that Erwan is impressively eager and excited to try things he hasn’t done before.

“His answer (is) always and immediately ‘Let’s go!’” she said.

Julie also said that another wonderful part of hosting Merlin has been getting to witness his passion for basketball.

“One of my favorite memories of Erwan was when he and his team played Jesuit at Davis,” she said.

She explained that Merlin made a basket and the crowd went absolutely wild. People were cheering like crazy and holding up signs with Merlin’s name and the French flag.

“His face was priceless… he was so very excited,” Julie said.

Merlin’s father and stepmom recently came to the United States to visit Merlin. As they both struggle somewhat with English, Merlin was able to help.

“The pride that they showed when Erwan was their translator was fantastic,” Julie said.

Merlin said that he wants to come back next year to keep playing basketball and improving his English.

“I was honored to be a part of the varsity team… I am very grateful, this experience was just incredible,” Merlin said.