When most freshmen begin high school, they try new things, and in some cases develop a love or passion for them. Junior Mia Macias has always played softball, so she decided to try something new. She tried out for the girls basketball team.

Macias admits that at first it was hard adjusting to a whole new sport, but “(she) instantly liked it because it’s so different than softball. It’s fast-paced and something’s always happening.”

Her passion for basketball only grew with each game. Unfortunately, her sophomore year, she broke her ankle at practice and was not able to play. But she did not let that deter her.

Macias said, “This year I felt it was a lot harder to make the team and I didn’t play for a whole year, I was nervous I wouldn’t make it.” Not only did she make the team, she even made it to varsity level.

Though Macias does not think she is the best player on the team, her attitude towards the sport compensates for it. “I have a positive attitude, if I know my teammate is having a tough time, I like to help them out, because I know they’d do the same too.”

Aside from all the fun time she spends with basketball, Macias has schoolwork to worry about too. For her, game days are the ones that require the most time-management ability. “We can go home, but then we have to come back at 5 and don’t leave until around 9:00 p.m.,” Macias said. “It’s late and I still have to eat dinner, shower, and do homework.”In order to ensure she completes all her homework, she’s found various ways to manage her time. She said, “I try to get my homework done in class when there’s nothing left to do.”

Macias shares that her mother is one of her biggest supporters. “My family likes me playing sports, my mom takes me everywhere I need to go (for games and events).” She said, “She’s really proud of me.”

Despite her love and passion for the sport, Macias says she does not see herself playing basketball in the future. “(Thanks to basketball) I’ll always be ready for any challenge.”