Amaya Martinez is a senior at Shawnee High School and competes for the Lady Wolves basketball team. Martinez is looking forward to getting her senior season underway. Martinez first began playing basketball back when she was in kindergarten and loves everything that the game has provided for her both on and off the court. On the court Martinez loves to compete, but over the years she’s also come to appreciate all the relationships the game has allowed her to build.
“My favorite thing about being on a team is the friendships and bonds you create with people and how your team is like your family,” Martinez said.
Martinez has been putting in work over the years to improve her game and she’s seen the rewards of her efforts.
“The highlight of my career was when I got my first offer,” Martinez said.
Going into her senior season Martinez is looking to make her last season in high school a memorable one. Martinez can do a little bit of everything on the floor on both the offensive and defensive ends.
“I think where I excel most is my versatility with how I am able to work hard down low in the post, rebound, and run the floor,” Martinez said. “I can guard a guard or guard the post. I’ve been working on my outside shooting and making more moves to the basket from the perimeter.”
One person that keeps Martinez inspired is by her sister who runs track in college. She hopes to follow in her footsteps and play basketball at the collegiate level.
“My sister is my role model because I see that she has gone to college and is running track and is about to graduate,” Martinez said. “I just see her doing great things and it makes me feel that I can too.”
Martinez also appreciates the support she receives from her mother who often sends her inspiring quotes to keep her motivated. There is one that has stuck with her and she frequently refers to when she needs a little extra encouragement: “The only person that can stop you from becoming great is yourself.”
Outside of basketball Martinez also runs track for Shawnee in the spring. After graduation Martinez plans to further her education in college and continue her basketball career. She said she would also like to work toward becoming a doctor.
