Athlete of the Week: Monet Allen, Dunbar High School

Name: Monet Allen

School: Dunbar

Grade: Junior

Age: 17

Sports: Volleyball, basketball, softball

Claim to fame/honors: Ranks top of class academically; earned all-city first team honors freshman and sophomore years in volleyball; active in band and choir; received scholastic award in her sports the past two years for maintaining 4.0 grade-point average.

Bet you didn’t know … I have a twin brother who also excels academically and in sports. He’s the reason basketball became a thing for me.

Words you live by: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

Toughest opponent: Myself. I was taught that only you can stop you.

Biggest influence: My mom and dad. My mom demonstrates perfectly what a strong, powerful woman look like. On the other hand, my father demonstrates perfectly what a hard-working and determined man looks like. Together they are forming one well-rounded young woman.

Game-day rituals: I always listen to gospel music before a game. Also, I call my mom or dad to get some good advice so I can get pumped up before the game.

What’s on your bedroom walls? Medals and certificates

When I’m bored I like to … sing and write poetry

Favorite movie: Love & Basketball

Person who would play you in a movie: Kimberly Elise

Favorite TV show: Martin

Favorite musical artist: Drake

I can’t live without: Family and sports

I can live without: TV

Event you’d like to attend: Cleveland Cavaliers game

Favorite book: Until We Meet Again by Renee Collins

Favorite home-cooked meal: Loaded baked potato with steak and a side of green beans

Favorite restaurant: Ponderosa

Favorite smell: Fresh strawberries

Favorite cereal: Froot Loops

Store where you’d like a shopping spree: Foot Locker

Vegetable you won’t eat: Squash

I’d love to trade places for a day with … Michael Jordan

Whose mind would you like to read? My basketball coach

Place where you’d love to travel? Jamaica

Talent you’d like to have? Dancing

Favorite school subject: Reading

Favorite athlete: Haleigh Washington (former Penn State volleyball player)

Favorite team: UConn

Favorite Olympic sport: Volleyball

Something in the world I’d like to change: Racial violence

Favorite sports moment: In the sixth grade hearing my mom yell “shoot the three,” knowing that I was not confident in my shot, but lo and behold I knocked the shot down and the crowd went nuts!

Favorite junk food: Snickers

Best thing about basketball: The action never stops. It’s always filled with oohs and ahhs. And let’s not forget the crowd. They never fail at making you feel good about yourself when you cross someone over or hit someone with a really good post move or knock a shot down right in someone’s face.

In 10 years, I hope to be … A defense attorney working toward owning my own law firm

Nominate an Athlete of the Week: Send an email to freelance writer Dave Lamb at d_lamb@msn.com. Please include the athlete's name, school, sport and a phone number or email address where we can reach that athlete. Please include Athlete of the Week in the subject line.

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