Analyse

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Analyse loves competition. This is what drove her to set her schools cross country record. No matter how tired she is, she won’t stop. Although she excels in several sports, basketball has had her heart since she was 6 years old. This love for basketball is in part due to her competitive nature and our family’s general love of the game, but also because she has seen the opportunities it has opened up for females at the collegiate level and beyond.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

This was a hard question because I’ve never really seen Ana “ fan girl” over any particular athlete, celebrity or authority figure. However, she was recently baptized and I think her intent to live in Christs image is the most inspired I’ve ever seen her. She is kind, generous and stands for what she believes in. While sometimes young people are pressured into faith by family, it was quite the opposite for Ana. She has brought us closer to God and inspires our whole family.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

This past school year, Analyse’s school played a team that was very aggressive. Ana is known for her positive attitude but she is also a dog on defense which often makes her the target of aggression. I’m used to it but the beating she was taking this game had me upset. At one point, the guard on the other team got so mad she threw the ball at Ana’s face. I stood up and yelled but she smiled at me, blood in her teeth and said, “I’m fine mom.” They won the game and she shook hands with a smile.