Junior Hazel Waiters is in love with basketball.

“If they said I can’t play,” Waiters said, “I would really cry.”

Waiters has played basketball for most of her K-12 career, because she feels that it’s “the only sport where I feel I’m bringing something to the team.” She has no plans to continue playing, but she will play in college if the opportunity arises. However, her initial reasons for picking basketball may once have been different.

“I’m the first of my sisters to graduate,” Waiters said. “Growing up, I was told that the only way to get out is by doing sports.”

Waiters is also a team player.

“It’s the only sport where you have more than one sister,” Waiters said. “I love all my teammates. They might get on my nerves sometimes, but they’re sisters to me.”

Her industry and enthusiasm are sure to carry her far in the future.

“Basketball is another part of me,” Waiters said.