Alawnah Dunda '24 Recruiting Profile

      When I was in the 4th grade, I went with my mom and brother to sign my brother up for Basketball.  I was asked to sign up too, even though I didn't think I wanted to.  At the time basketball was the only sport I didn't play but have always had the mindset to try everything once, so I decided to try it out.  I'm so glad I did, it was the best decision I've ever made, I fell in love with the sport.  Ever since then I sign up to play whenever I can, sometimes playing on 3 different teams at once.  Always wanting to play more and learn all aspects of the sport. For my whole life I've watched my mom tackle things no one thought she was able to do, and every time she would prove them wrong.  She would teach herself if she wasn't sure how to and stick to it until she was good at it. Showing me that nothing is impossible as long as you believe in yourself and stick with it, you can accomplish anything.  She always says to prove them wrong.  Thats why my mom is my biggest inspiration. She's been by my side helping me be the best that I could be and showing me that I can do anything I put my mind to, and not to settle.

      During my high school career, I've had many highs and lows.  Coming from a small school, where who your parents are matters, and my mom wasn't one of those parents.  I've watched peers be given opportunities, where I had to work harder to earn them. I just keep pushing myself thinking about my mom telling me to prove them wrong, and all that matters is that I believe in myself.  At a young age that was hard for me to understand, but I'm glad I earned everything and wasn't handed it.   I hold my head up high knowing that I did this, by working hard and never giving up. I've also played through many different injuries including a broken nose and a double sprained ankle.  During both injuries we went on to sectionals, and during the double sprain we went on to the state final four, during both of which I was a starter.  

      I'd be a good fit to your program because I have the drive, persistence, determination, dedication, patience and sportsmanship.  All of my couches have told my mom that I'm very coachable.  Some even say they wish they could have more players like me.