By: Amina Washington
Shelby Haysmer is a freshman attending Dale High School, playing basketball for the Lady Pirates. She grew up watching older girls play basketball and knew it was something she wanted to do. Now that she’s become a player, she appreciates the fact that she can now play for little kids, inspiring them just as others have done for her. To those who came before her, she would like to say that “People look up to you no matter the position you are in.”
When it comes to motivation, the Lady Pirates basketball team plays a large role in Haysmer. She is constantly being pushed to be her best by her teammates, and when asked who her biggest role model was, Haysmer named her coach, Scott Wilson. “He has been there every day and is always there to help, no matter what is going on in his life.”
In school, Haysmer also participates in FCA. The teacher who has inspired her the most is Mrs. Kaylee Taymer. Haysmer expressed gratitude for the way Taymer encourages her to be a better human every day. Representing her school as she’s playing means that people look up to her, and Haysmer remembers what that was like for her and uses it as motivation.
A challenge that Haysmer struggles with is separating her self-worth from her performance in basketball. “It is all I have known and identified with for so long,” she said. Haysmer overcomes this challenge by praying and trusting in her teammates. She also keeps steady, honest communication with her trainer about her mental health.
The accomplishment she is most proud of is being baptized and continuing to walk in her faith. She would like to tell her younger self, “Trust the process and keep (your) eye on God, because He (has) it under control.” She balances school and sports by praying and keeping a calendar for each month.
