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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