Ava Kashani, a HSE junior varsity girls’ basketball player, has dedicated many hours on the court playing her favorite sport. But to Ava, basketball isn’t a game-it’s family.
“You get to see these girls almost daily, through the good times and the bad,” Kashani explained. “They become individuals that you can trust and rely on.”
Through the trials this season, Kashani has been the source of motivation for her teammates. No matter what, she is always there-on and off the court. Even when she is not playing in the game, she can be heard, whether its cheering from the side or offering motivation.
“ I have contributed to my team by being their number one supporter,” she replied. “I will always support my team by always being present if they need it. ”
Kashani’s basketball experience has been amazing but balancing school and basketball has not been one of Kashani’s easiest challenges. Having daily practice and traveling has consumed a lot of her time putting immense pressure on her. But she found ways to catch up, whether its doing work on the bus rides to the games, staying up late at night, or really focusing in school in order to do her absolute best in whatever say does.
“My motivation for the sport came from my parents,” Kashani said.
Apart from the physical and mental element of the game, basketball has also shaped Kashani off the court. “My dad would push me to give my best, and both of them play an active role in supporting me even if I’m not on the field. The sport has taught her many values like perseverance, discipline, and resilience.” Her experience with the girls basketball team and the other sports she partakes in such as track have really shaped who she is, teaching her how to be a better teammate, and making bonds with those she will remember for a lifetime.
“Basketball has taught me that nothing comes to you. You have to work hard for everything you want out of life,” she explained.
For someone like Ava who has had problems with confidence, she is always finding ways to not let herself get in her own head, “As a player who has dealt with confidence issues over the past few years, I realized that basketball is a fast-paced sport, meaning that if you make a mistake you should move onto the next play,” explains Kashani. She is always finding new ways to improve her game.
Playing basketball at the high school level, Kashani is learning a lot of things, whether it’s leadership, determination, or being the support system her team can rely on. She realizes that basketball has touched her life in ways she will use for the rest of her life.
