Sarah Elfrey '23 Recruiting Profile

In the summer of 2018 I began my athletic journey in basketball. A sport which not only helped me realise my capabilities but also taught me unforgettable skills, useful both on and off the court. Playing basketball, I have not been part of a team but part of a family where every member is significant. I depend on them, the same way they depend on me. Despite our different positions and variation of skills we work together to achieve one goal. Playing a team sport showed me the difference every player makes from the unlimited attributes each can bring. Thus, making me want to help my teammates realise their maximum and the pure talents they have, so that they feel comfortable to be the best version of themselves. My efforts to help my teammates were realised when I was appointed captain for the 2021-22 season. I was then re-elected co-captain for the 2022-23 season by my teammates. This has only made me more inspired to continue to help those around me as I know the influential and everlasting impact it can have. My efforts for my own basketball improvements were acknowledged when for my first season (2018-19) I was awarded U16 most improved player-MIP. For the 2019-20 season I was awarded U16 most valuable player-MVP. The following season, (2021-22) I was awarded U18 MVP, it was this season that my team became champions as we won the U18 Northern premier conference national league.

Initially starting basketball my club, City of Birmingham Rockets, was new to having a girls team, so there was not much opportunity to showcase my developing talent, however I did not let this demotivated me and instead used my learnt characteristics of determination and persistence to continue to better myself at my beloved sport, so that when the time comes I will be ready. Fortunately, during the 2018-2019 season, I was given the opportunity to attend Basketball England’s Aspire programme, whereby trials were held to get selected to represent your region in the yearly regional tournament. I was successful in being selected to represent my region, West Midlands. The following season, after hearing uplifting reviews of my play, I re-attended the trials in hope of being selected again. Unfortunately due to covid-19 the tournament was cancelled.

Mentally, covid was a setback for me as I believed my college aspirations were slipping away. I trained and played outside everyday but still maintained a pessimistic mindset that I was getting nowhere. It wasn’t until I voiced my feelings to members of my basketball family who reminded me of my strong character and true potential. Enabling me to stay strong-willed and faithful, I then realised it is not only vital to have faith and trust in my teammates and for them to have trust in me, but for me to have faith in myself too; to not let the setbacks knock and keep me down.

Along with basketball I competed at county level in swimming, track and field- which unlike basketball are considered individual sports although you are simultaneously having to compete with and against your teammates. Taking part in these sports taught me to work with, and learn to respect different types of people despite my personal opinion. It displayed to me a negative side of not just the athletic world but the world in general. Just because your teammates/friends does not mean they will look out for you, or will want the best for you. I now take these experiences as lessons, to keep myself focused on what I want to achieve throughout my life, not acknowledging or letting the hateful things other may do/ say affect me and what I prosper towards. This has been valuable in all aspects of life and drives me to continue to uplift those around me.

I wish to carry this mentality through my college journey. My goal is to broaden my athletic and academic skills in order to reduce possible limitations along my path. I aspire to take in and use what I will learn, from my environments and the people in them, to better myself. I never give up in the classroom and seek to challenge myself. In college I want to major in either law/legal studies, politics or criminology. I wish to attend a college where I can push myself further both in the classroom and on the court. I work hard to maintain a balance between my academics and extra-curricular activities in order to have succession in both. I believe my current efforts and ability to balance my heavy loads of High School courses with my sports has prepared me to face this identical challenge at the college level.