Personal Statement
My given birth name is Alexie Danielle Tibbs. My mom has told me since I can remember that the “D” in Danielle should be for “Determination.” My defining strengths have always been my work ethic and sheer will to get through any obstacle. However, it was discovering my weakness that truly helped me reach the next level as a basketball player.
I was born to be an athlete. God gave me speed, agility, endurance, and well, determination. I have always been one of the best players on the floor, and I have never understood why anyone would come to practice or workout and not give it their all. Coming up into high school, my coaches expected me to be a leader. This did not come so easily. With all my love and knowledge for the game, I just couldn’t figure out why I could not get my team mates to listen to me. Outside of basketball, I was the life of the party. I had friends from every walk of life. The smart kids, the athletes, the band kids, the cheerleaders, the troubled kids. It didn’t matter to me. I talked and listened to everyone and took every opportunity to make somebody laugh or smile… Then one day it hit me. That girl, the one that made everyone feel important. That girl didn’t show up at basketball anymore. I was so focused on what others were not getting done or doing right that I had become negative. I was not being a good team mate, so why would anyone want to follow me? From that point on, I was “determined” to be more positive. I began to notice when somebody was falling behind in a work out and go help and encourage them to finish. I began to see the positive things that my team mates were doing and praise them for their hard work. I began to plan activities outside of basketball for my team. I started to realize the value of every member of the team, and it wasn't always about how many minutes were played in each game. All of those things not only made us closer friends, it transferred to the floor during practice and games. Not only did I become a better leader, I fell more in love with basketball. The more positive I was, the more fun it became. I still have the same expectations of myself and others, I just have a much better way of getting the results. If you can’t change your fate, change your attitude.
