By Mike Moguin

Gia Dennis was a key factor in Coweta’s success in girls basketball a year ago, helping the Tigers reach the Class 5A State Tournament and finish as a semifinalist.  

But this season, she’s the lone returning starter as the other four graduated last spring. That has put the position of being a leader on her shoulders. 

“Having the leadership role and being the only starter from last year has been both exciting and tough,” said Dennis, a junior who also runs track. “I’ve had to step up in many ways and had to learn to be patient with my teammates. I’ve realized that being a leader isn’t only about the performances but also about having to support your teammates and lift them up, and also having to stay positive during tough moments.”

Not all special memories in sports involve a game your team won. The Tigers were one game away from making the state final a year ago. 

“The memory I’m most proud of is almost beating El Reno in the semifinals last year in state,” Dennis said. 

Her teammates from last season have been an inspiration to her, she said. 

“All the starters from last year, besides me, left a big impression on me because they all worked hard on becoming the great basketball players they are today,” Dennis said. 

“Basketball has taught me how to be patient with my life,” she said. “The best advice that was given to me was that hard becomes easy when you commit to doing the hard stuff consistently.”

Her favorite teacher is “Mrs. Voyles, because she shows up to the majority of my games and is always positive,” Dennis said. 

The Tigers’ leading scorer also said her family inspires her “because they all helped me out with basketball even through hard times.”

Dennis’ favorite part about representing her school as an athlete is “the sense of unity and pride,” she said.

Her favorite college basketball team is OU. Her favorite NBA team is the Golden State Warriors.

Dennis’ favorite professional basketball player is Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks, and her favorite college player is Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame. 

“I would like to thank my family for pushing me and training me into the basketball player I am today,” Dennis said. 

Follow Dennis on Instagram @35gia_dennis23