CaCoa Chatman, a native of Long Beach, California, graduated from St. Anthony High School in 2018 before continuing his basketball career at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) in Olympia, Washington.
At SPSCC, Chatman made an immediate impact. As a freshman during the 2018–19 season, he started 29 of 30 games and averaged 11.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 40.3% from the field and 33.6% from three, helping lead the Clippers to a 25–5 record.
In his sophomore season (2019–20), under new head coach Andrew Green, Chatman elevated his game significantly. He averaged 16.6 points per game, shooting 42.5% from the field, 36.6% from three, and 82.7% from the free-throw line. He earned First-Team All-NWAC Western Region honors, was named Dale Bates Tournament MVP, and hit three game-winning shots during the season. SPSCC finished with a 23–6 record.
Following his JUCO success, Chatman transferred to Northwest University (NAIA – Cascade Collegiate Conference), where he continued to excel.
- 2021–22 (Junior Year): Averaged 14.9 points, 3.6 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 45% from the field, 38% from three, and 85% from the free-throw line. He ranked top 15 in the CCC in scoring, assists, steals, field goal percentage, and three-point shooting. He was named Cascade Conference Player of the Week, Northwest University Athlete of the Week, and earned All-Conference CCC honors.
- 2022–23 (Senior Year): Averaged 18.6 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds per 30 minutes of play. He broke the single-game school record with 11 made three-pointers, earned Cascade Conference Player of the Week and Northwest University Athlete of the Week honors, and was recognized as All-Conference CCC and an NAIA All-American in 2023.
