Dona Stephens '15 Recruiting Profile

My name is Dona Stephens. I was born in Hawaii and raised in San Diego, California. I have been playing sports for as long as I can remember. My first exposure to sports in my family was watching my brothers participate in the sports they belonged to, like football and track. I even had the opportunity to join a private track team with my brother when i was five years old. In third grade my dad coached me and the team i was on in basketball, and i believe that is where my love for basketball and sports took off. In the sixth grade my team played/won the girls Sweetwater School Saber League Championship. I have been a three sport athlete since my freshman year in high school: Volleyball, basketball, and track. I love to compete. All the while i have challenged myself academically by pursuing AP level courses. I recently expressed to my dad that i would love to play in the WNBA and participate in Team USA for track as well. I know that the best chance i have for that to happen is to play for a good college program. I think what make me different from other athletes is I know my priorities. School and my academics have always been the focus because I know without school I won't be able to play and participate in the sports I love. As an athlete I try to remain humble and positive. Growing up and as I have progressed as an athlete my family always reminded me to stay humble and focused on my ambitions because it was the only way i would remain grateful and successful at the same time. Throughout my high school career I have had to step up as a leader and a confidant to my teammates which has given me a stronger personality and forced me to take on great responsibilities early. Being on my high school varsity basketball team for four years and lettering varsity my first year joining track has given me thick skin. Over that time I have had to take a lot of constructive criticism that beat me down inside, but as i grew and matured I learned to be more coachable and open to criticism because I know it will only make me better. Overall I believe I am very fit for college life and collegiate level sports based on the adversity I have faced as an athlete and the experiences i have had that have shaped my character.