Alyssa Norada '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Alyssa Norada, and I am passionate about the sport of basketball. I started playing when I was around the age of 8 or 9 but I took basketball to the next level when I was 11 years old joining my first travel ball team, a boys team. And, frankly, when people hear that famous statement, of playing on a “boys’ team,” the responses I’ve heard, range from positive and negative. I’ll hear, “wow, you must be very good,” or I’ll hear “isn’t there a girls’ team you can join?” Ultimately, it only benefitted me, to step out of my comfort zone playing with the opposite gender, and playing years above my age level. It wasn’t always the easiest, but through these experiences, I’ve learned ethical values such as; hard work, determination, commitment, and mental strength. Basketball has become a lifestyle.

I dedicate all my time to my education, family, other extracurriculars, and basketball. If I am not studying, reading, or playing basketball, I would be trying to teach myself new songs, or notes on different instruments. I would be using the left side of my brain to paint, draw, and write. I love literature, and poetry and, I am astonished by how words can make a difference, create a story, or give someone something to believe in. 

I want to play college basketball at the highest level I can. My love for basketball has only spiraled upwards, and it pushes me to want to become the best player I can be. I strive to get a scholarship, to save money and help pay for my sisters’ college, or future dream school when it comes to time. I want to use my talents, and hard work, to help pay back to my parents, and sister, for their time, money, and energy spent towards this sport. When playing competitive basketball comes to an end, I want to get a profession in the medical field, or sociology. I want to find a profession that will ultimately, lead me to helping people, because the one of the best feelings in the world for me, comes from knowing I did something purposeful.