Sport(s) Played: Soccer & Basketball
Q1: Why did you choose the sport that you play?
I chose to play basketball because my dad introduced me to it when I was a kid. I started going to Mighty Mustangs and other basketball events, and I quickly fell in love with it and knew basketball was a sport I wanted to pursue in the future.
Q2: What is your favorite Madeira sports memory?
My favorite Madeira sports memory was during the state tournament in my junior year of soccer. We came into the tournament after struggling a bit in the regular season, but we turned it around and made it all the way to the state semi-finals. I had a lot of fun with that group of teammates, and it’s something I’ll never forget.
Q3: How do you get motivated to practice every day?
I get motivated to practice every day because of my coaches and teammates. Coach Kellett, along with the rest of our assistant coaches, always make practice a fun, positive environment to be in. I also look forward to spending time with my teammates, and they push me every day to continue getting better.
Q4: Do you have any pre-game rituals or traditions?
I don’t have many pre-game rituals or traditions, but I usually like to eat the same meal before every game. This helps me build a routine and stay consistent on game days.
Q5: Who’s your favorite athlete you look up to?
My favorite athlete that I’ve always looked up to is Lebron James. When I was younger, I would watch all of his games and had almost every single one of his jerseys. Watching him play made me really love basketball and I always idolized him on and off the court.
Q6: What makes a great teammate?
A great teammate is someone that pushes their teammates to give their best effort and get better every day. They prioritize the team and winning over themself and individual stats. A good teammate also provides constructive criticism and does whatever it takes to be successful.
Q7: What is on your pre-game playlist?
My pre-game playlist is different every day and really depends on the mood I am. I listen to all types of music, so one day it might be hip-hop and a different day it could be country. Our basketball team loves to listen to anything by “Gunna” before a game.
Q8: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen or had happen to you in a practice or game?
The funniest thing that has happened to me during a game was my freshman year on the JV team when a teammate took a half-court shot right from the tip off. Unfortunately, it didn’t go in, but it was a funny memory that we joked about for a long time and I will always remember.
Q9: What are your plans after you graduate?
After I graduate, I plan to attend college to major in Finance and Accounting. I’m excited to see where I end up and what the future has to offer.
Q10: What advice would you give an 8th-grade athlete as they move on to high school sports?
Four years goes by in the blink of an eye. Take it all in and enjoy every second you get to play the sport you love.