Growing up in a family of basketball players, it was easy for junior Isbeal Waite to become passionate about laying the sport. Along with playing basketball since she was seven years old, she had also participated in playing soccer, softball, and many other sports.
“My dad had played basketball in college, so I’ve been mostly influenced by him,” Waite said.
This sport has made a big impact on Waite’s life. She carries on tips and knowledge that she learned during the season throughout the games.
“[Basketball] means exercise, it means friends, and really grow a family through it because of your teammates, and it means competition. Which is really fun. I learn how to deal with disappointment when I don’t play as well as I want too,“ Waite said.
Gaining a family from playing with the basketball team, making great memories are just bound to happen.
“We played a preseason tournament, and the championship game we played Bishop England who is a pretty big rival for us, and we haven’t beat them in a while, and we did beat them to win that tournament. So that’s probably the best memory from this season,” Waite said.
Although losing a game can be very discouraging to most athletes, Waite has an optimistic outlook on any outcome, even when losing a basketball game Waite is able to stay motivated.
“I think one way is by looking at some of the things I did wrong and trying to fix that next time and having the opportunity to fix my mistakes,” Waite said.
The passion and dedication Waite has for basketball is beyond imaginable, making amazing memorable moments each season.
“My proudest moment is some of the buzzer beaters that I’ve hit at the end of a game… to tie the game or win the game. I like that there is a winner and a loser,” Waite said.
