Going to the WIAA State Tournament as a freshman was a highlight of my basketball career. As a freshman, I was able to elevate my team and was the second lead-scorer by halftime and I knocked down a three to help take us to the first overtime. Although we ultimately lost in double overtime, it was an amazing feeling to contribute to my team at such an important moment. I found that the big stage doesn’t scare me, but in fact excites me and brings out the best that I have to offer. I started playing basketball when I was in the third grade and the impact it’s had on my life, attitude and outlook have grown significantly even as I have entered high school. I take the skills I’ve learned in basketball off the court and into my way of life, whether it’s the strength in my relationships with others, built from the experiences and emotions that come with playing this sport, or the fact that I’ve been a leader for most of my life and that’s given me confidence to interact well with coaches, teachers and other adults in my life.
My biggest lessons came when I suffered a labrum tear in my left shoulder before my sophomore season. I was originally told that I would be out for the entire season, but I couldn’t accept that. I used that time to work incredibly hard on both my rehabilitation as well as my overall fitness and ball skills. I built all of my muscles during recovery and was able to return two months earlier than my doctor’s post-surgical estimate. This early return allowed me to play in the final 10 games left in the season, during which I was able to lead my team to win conference, regionals and move on to sectionals for state. I was able to put up an average of 10 points per game, had the best game of my career with 22 points and scored the highest shooting percentage on my team for the entire season. This taught and reinforced for me that if you love something and want it enough, you can make it happen. I work hard off the court by doing Athletic Performance training and am a USA weightlifting State Champ.
My parents have taught me the value of perseverance and tenacity throughout my life. As entrepreneurs, they’ve always followed their dreams and have always encouraged me to do the same.
I am very academically focused and learned during my shoulder recovery the long term component of what a good education means to my life, beyond high school, beyond college and beyond basketball. I’m very committed to pursuing a degree in a field that I love — marine biology and animal science — and to becoming a top student and athlete at the right school.
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