Our Lady Indians Basketball team has had an outstanding season and our one senior Sophie Thacker has been a big part of that. Sophie is the only senior on the team this year, and that really made her have to stand up and be a leader for her team. She has made close relationships with all of her teammates this year as a senior, and has shown them right and wrong. The team could be going through a rut and Sophie would be there to pick them up to always try again. Sophie has been there for all the girls throughout this season to ready help them with whatever they may need.
Sophie has learned many lessons from basketball, especially because she has been playing since she was 6 years old. One of the lessons she learned this year was how to grow as a team through strengths and weaknesses. She said, “For instance, when I struggle with something, I know a teammate is there to pick me up. In the same way, I am always there to support the team around me.” Sophie being the leader she was this year helped her learn new lessons, as well as to help lead her team. The girls basketball coach, Coach Arp, has many good things to say about Sophie, but one main thing was how greatly she has led her team as the only senior and as team captain. Coach Arp said, “She leads by example, and each day she strives to encourage her teammates through her actions and words but she also challenges players to step up for any circumstance our team needs.” Sophie always wants to support her team but also push them to be their best at the same time.
As the only senior on the team Sophie does not have many people to be inspired from, but one person who truly inspired her this year was Josie Harris. She said, “Josie Harris, she never complains, loves everyone, and is almost always smiling. This girl brings so much joy to our team, I know the team will be in good hands when I leave because Josie is there.” Sophie relies on Josie to keep the team positive even if she is having a bad day or just not have a good practice/game. Sophie knows Josie will be able to cheer her up.
Sophie has truly been a good role model for every girl on this team, Kelsey Arp, a sophomore on the team, said, “Sophie has set such a good example for us and really takes the time to care about all of us off the court.” Sophie has been there for this team on and off the court, and she will always support them no matter what.
Sophie has had many favorite memories this year but one of her favorites was beating Darlington. She said, “Probably when we beat Darlington on a buzzer beater shot!” Darlington has always been a hard school to beat and after beating them on a buzzer beater shot is an amazing accompaniment.
