VYPE: When and how did you first get into playing your sport?
Kate: I started playing basketball in first grade for Coach Ed and Coach Dennis. My dad inspired me to try basketball as he played in high school. I fell in love with the sport immediately.

VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
Kate: I would say one thing my sport has taught me that I use everyday is facing adversity and not backing down or accepting it, but instead working harder and challenging it.

VYPE: What is your favorite part about being on a team?
Kate: My favorite aspect of being on a team is that everybody plays a role and has a purpose. A team is not only the starters or the ones with all the stats, it’s also the ones that fly under the radar but choose
to show up everyday to practice ready to get to work and improve themselves and the team.

VYPE: Who inspires you?
Kate: My older sister has been a huge influence on my life. She has taught me how to persevere
in the face of adversity, educated me on taking my time in things because life moves so fast, and taught me how to love my journey and devote myself to the things I enjoy. I would say she not only has inspired me in so many parts of my life, but also levels me as a person.

VYPE: Here is your chance to give a shoutout or say thank you to anyone you wish.
Kate: I would like to shout out to my mom and my dad. I have faced a lot of obstacles in basketball and a lot of things that could have easily brought me down. My dad has always been there to give it to me straight, no matter if I didn’t want to hear it, I needed his wise and true words every time. He always sets new challenges for me for self betterment. My mom has truly helped me as a person in everyday life and an athlete. I struggle with anxiety, which she is familiar with, and she helps me everyday manage these feelings and flip the negative thoughts around. Without her I would have no idea where to start. I will forever be grateful to both of them.

VYPE: Which professional athlete do you look up to?
Kate: The one I look up to the most is Dennis Rodman. He was an incredible rebounder, and even though he wasn’t the best scorer, he did the work that most people would be unwilling to do.

VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade?
Kate: My favorite was my third grade reading teacher Mrs. Herriman. She was loving and understanding in a very scary and confusing time of my life and directly inspired my love for reading and writing.