Basketball is a game that she and her family have always played together. It was a way for them to bond. Freshman Sharlanyce Chambliss said that after their games “we would just relax and reflect and how fun the game was.”

Chambliss was first interested in playing basketball last year by just simply watching professionals. What really caught her attention were the tricks and the moves that people could do. She was impressed at the speed players can dribble and their ability to fake people out.

“My family encouraged me to play and when I told them I was trying out for the team they were really excited for me,” she said. To prepare for tryouts, Chambliss practiced drills constantly and worked on her shooting, dribbling, feet movement, and crossovers.

Spirits were high as the first game of the season slowly approached. Nervous excitement took over her face as she explained how “just having them there (her family) to watch and support me puts me at ease.”

The team lost, but Chambliss’ family told her that it was only the first game and to keep her head up. “We’re sportspeople, so there are a lot of people I could turn to help me practice,” she said. Chambliss said that this loss was disappointing but she’s not going to let that define their season.

“I’m even more determined to win now,” Chambliss said.