Sydney Strenger '18 Recruiting Profile

            I understand that Basketball is a team sport. Although that seems obvious, I do not think a lot of players really understand the “team” concept because they seem to look to score first and pass second in every situation that is given. I actually enjoy making a good pass and assisting a teammate more than I do in scoring. It is more satisfying to me to see a pass I made go in by another player than seeing an uneven shot miss by a few inches because I was being covered by two or three girls.

            Even though I have been known to look for an assist first before looking to score, I have worked tremendously hard on developing my shot. I usually win, or finish in the top two or three, when our teams do competitive shooting drills at practice.

            I am coachable. I listen to my coaches and follow their directions without complaining. On the other hand, I am not afraid to ask my coaches questions. I am interested in not only learning my plays, but also learning the reasons why coaches run certain plays and defenses. I want to understand the game entirely, not just my position and my individual responsibilities.

            I am also persistent and determined in whatever I do, whether it is basketball, school work or other requirements or goals that I set for myself. If I fail at something, I do not give up, I keep working harder until I eventually succeed.

            I consistently try to improve my game. When I am not playing or practicing with my high school and AAU team, I work on my shot and ball handling and defensive skills on my own. I also work on gaining strength and cardiovascular endurance by working out at a gym and by running, jumping rope and other exercises. I train with a fitness trainer at powerhouse gym.

            In my free time, I like to volunteer for charities, and youth basketball camps and teams. I am required to do 40 hours of community service work before I graduate from high school, but as an incoming junior, I have already exceeded the requirements by volunteering for over 100 hours and I plan on doing much more. I have already volunteered many hours for the March of Dimes, as well as other charities and non-profits. In addition, I plan on assisting the head coach for Lake Orion’s, Oakview Middle School girls’ basketball team this fall.  

            I work hard at school, but I also try to find time for fun with my friends and family. I try to be a good friend and I think I am well respected and trusted. My friends often come to me for my opinion on problems they are dealing with and they confide in me with personal matters because they know I will keep it to myself and not spread personal things around to others.

            My dad was a division 1 college athlete and played football in the NFL for 6 years and even though athletics have changed a lot since he played in the 1970's through the late 1980's, I still try to learn from him what it takes to compete at the highest level.