Professional women’s basketball viewership has increased by almost 146% in the last year, according to the Associated Press. This trend is mirrored by high school level clubs and school teams, increasing competition and intensity at tryouts. When it comes to the final cut, coaches will pick the player with the most grit and drive towards the sport. Making a competitive basketball team can be hard, but if you put in the work it will pay off, just like Peyton Myers (‘28) did.
“When I heard I got pulled up to varsity for playoffs I was happy and excited that I got to play at a more challenging level,” Myers said. “But playing at a higher level the girls are so much bigger so, when I get the ball I would get blocked. It’s much harder than JV because of the intense level.
Some people think that the most stressful part of sports is the stress and pressures we receive from teammates and peers. Except most of the time the pressures and stress we suffer comes from ourselves.
“Nobody on the team gives me a lot of stress, it’s more the pre-game jitters, and the pressure to do well during the game, and then getting inside my head plus when I get inside my head i start not to play well, ” Myers said
Dealing with the struggles and pressure from ourselves is sometimes harder to deal with than the pressures we get from our peers. However people have someone they look up to inspire them to be like in the future.
“One upperclassman I look up to is Avery Lay. Because I have known her for a long time. She just inspires me,” Myers said. “She’s always there for me, and she gives you tips and stuff to become a better athlete. She is just a really kind and good person, and has a great personality,”
This motivation for the game just doesn’t come easily for everyone. It takes many people to create something great for the future . Which is what the Chelsea high school girls basketball seniors did.
“All the upperclassmen on the team inspire me, and I want to be like them when I grow up. Everyone is a good person to be around, and they give you the motivation you want, cheer you on. It’s such a good environment and I love it and everyone,” Myers said.
