From Indiana to South Carolina. From dribbling for leisure to a high school varsity team. Since senior Tait Horine stepped onto the court freshman year, he has led the boys varsity basketball team through numerous wins and playoff games.
However, Horine recalls that he did not begin playing in high school. His love for the sport began far earlier.
“I was playing basketball pretty much since I could walk. I grew up with the hoop in my room and in my house,” Horine said. “My dad played basketball… when he grew up, in college, and in high school. So he kinda instilled basketball into me and then, you know, I fell in love with it.”
Due to his father’s background as a player himself, Horine finds solace and guidance in this father’s experience.
“I would say he’s gone through a lot of stuff… he’s been in similar situations to me and a lot of stuff. So, he’s helped me kinda get through some more difficult stretches, but then also like when things are going well,” Horine said.
While on varsity for all four years of high school, Horine has made numerous meaningful relationships; ones that come with even more memories.
“I love playing, but also like… made so many new friends. So many people I’m still friends with today from basketball. Like, even before I moved, I’m still friends with guys that [I] played basketball with,” Horine said. “I’ve like created so many good relationships… and also my coaches too.”
According to Horine, one of his favorite memories he had with his teammates actually occurred last year, during his junior year season.
“Our playoff game last year at home, that was pretty awesome. I had a pretty good game and then it was just cool to win a game home,” Horine said. “It hasn’t been done in like a decade or something like that. So, it’s cool to do that with [and] for the seniors and for all the guys.”
Yet, aside from friendships and memories the sport has provided Horine with, basketball has provided him with more. As a senior soon to be leaving the walls of Wando, Horne recounts all that the sport has taught him.
“It’s obviously a big part of my life, but it’s definitely taught me a lot of life lessons, especially like in leadership and community,” Horine said. “It’s definitely made me a better person. And other things like determination, grit, and just like hard work. And what could be that couldn’t be great if you don’t work hard at it.”