Basketball Interview

As the basketball season continues to progress, I reached out to the coaches of both the male and female varsity teams, and through them was able to conduct an interview with a captain of both, Braeden Wilbourn and Ava Smith.  I asked each of them identical questions, and recorded their responses below.

1. So far, what has been the culture and the mood of the team?

Braeden: “I think the mood of the team this year is to show up for each other and determination. We really struggled last year playing together as a team, and I think this year we are trying to change that and as well we are determined to have a better season than last”

Ava: “So far I think the mood has been really good and uplifting.” 

2. What do you think is an important skill to become a leader on the team like you have?

Braeden: “I think an important skill is no matter how good you are you can learn something from anybody. Even the smallest of things, It makes you sit back and think. I also think accountability is a trait that is needed, you have to know that you are going to make mistakes too and that when you do it is okay but you have to be accountable for it so you can learn from it.”

Ava: “I think a really important skill is being clear with your teammates and making sure everyone is on the same page. But I also think it is good to be able to push your teammates in a nice way so they try their best.”

3. What makes Coach such an incredible leader?

Braeden: “If you mess up he will be right there to tell you what you did wrong and how to fix it, and if you do something good he will be your biggest cheerleader.”

Ava: “In my opinion what makes a coach really great is them letting you know they believe in you and will always be your cheerleader. But they always push you in a good way.” 

4. What has improved on the team so far this year from last year?

Braeden: “Our drive and our will, one thing this year that is different from last year is that we all want to win and want to be good and we will go through any length to get that.”

Ava: “Compared to last year I think we all get along way better.”

5.  What are your expectations/goals for the season?

Braeden: “My expectations is to have a season over .500 which means our record is positive. My goal is to play in the state playoffs and to at least get to the second round. And a personal goal is to win conference player of the year.”

Ava: “I expect us to go far in the conference but we are a very young team so my goal would be just able to grow even more for next year.”

6.  How has basketball impacted the wider scope of your life?

Braeden: “Basketball has been there for me since I was old enough to even think. It’s had its ups and downs but it’s always been there. Basketball has taught me so many valuable lessons. One of them my coach told me was that basketball will give you what you give it. If you are constantly in the gym and always putting the work in you will start to see the progress and your growth when you get into the games.”

Ava: “Playing basketball has really helped me make connections with people more. Also, having to get along with my teammates helps me clear confrontations/disagreements easily.”