Carter has been playing chess for over eight years and has participated in numerous chess clubs and local tournaments. He successfully completed the highest level of The Pawn Project’s chess program and joined the coaching team in January 2026. A local 11th-grade homeschooler, Carter favors the English Opening and enjoys supporting younger players as they grow their skills and confidence. Outside of chess, he’s passionate about art and animation, and he plays both drums and guitar. 

Truett is a self-taught chess player and proud member of both VA Chess Federation and USCF. He has earned multiple wins in over-the-board tournaments, including recognition as the Top Unrated Player at the 2024 K–5 Virginia Scholastic State Championship and second place in the 2026 VA Open. Online, he has achieved more than 50 top-three finishes across ChessKid and Lichess tournaments and has maintained a Lichess blitz rating above 1800 and bullet rating above 2200. He's also rated 2400 in puzzles on ChessKid. 

Hasan is an avid reader and a talented tournament-level chess player who began his chess journey at age six. He’s rated 2700 in puzzles on Chess.com and has a track record of winning both in-person and online tournaments. A member of both the VA Chess Federation and USCF, he has multiple in-person tournament achievements including Top Unrated Player in the 2026 VA Chess Open. He enjoys helping other young players improve their skills while fostering sportsmanship, strategy, and confidence on and off the board.  

After discovering her passion for chess, Isabel was eager to find a club and soon found The Pawn Project. Her focus and determination quickly became evident as she completed every skill level in just a few months and joined the youth coaching team. She is rated 1329 on ChessKid, with a peak 2400 puzzle rating, and has competed in two OTB tournaments. Her favorite opening is the Vienna Gambit, and she loves chess for its endless possibilities—even computers can’t fully solve it. Outside chess, she plays tennis, studies Italian, and writes annual essays about giant pandas, challenging herself to improve each year—a reflection of the curiosity, attention to detail, and drive for growth she brings to the club. 

Ethan

Isaac discovered chess about a year ago and has been hooked ever since. He loves the complexity of the game and how it challenges his mind. His favorite opening is the Queen’s Gambit. He is so glad to be a part of the Pawn Project as it has allowed him to meet new friends that also love chess. Outside of chess, Isaac enjoys computer games and evening walks.  

Will

Kenneth