Sarafina Mowe '20 Recruiting Profile

    Ever since I was little, I have had a passion for basketball.  I picked up my first basketball when I was seven years old when I played on an Upward basketball team. Upon entering middle school, I wanted to continue my love for the sport. Having made my middle school team, I was able to learn the fundamental roots and skills needed to help me become my best self and player. In the summer of my eighth grade year, my family and I moved to Gulf Breeze, Florida. When I tried out for the basketball team, however, I realized that the high school had no middle school sports filtering into their high school athletics. This enabled me to really stand out over my peers and be one of the best players on my team. I was able to use my high basketball IQ and my passion for the game to lead my teammates to success. I enjoy encouraging my teammates on and off the court and being there for them even when basketball is not in season.

If there's one word to describe me by my teammates, it is "fast". I love pushing the ball down the court for fast breaks. Having done track my junior and senior year, I was able to increase my speed even more on the court.  Throughout my high school career, I score majority of points from driving to the basket alone.  My speed also allows me to break presses with ease and confidence.  What makes me different from most players is that instead of thinking about what I could have done to win that game, I think of what I can do to win the next. How could I improve myself and my teammates? How could I have stolen the ball from their point guard? How could I encourage my teammates even more? For if its one thing I've learned in basketball, it is that one bad attitude can affect the entire team. Also, when given a play from my coach, I use that skeleton to come up with other creative moves capable with that play. Being able to create something new and innovative helps me to be a better leader for my team and I.  Basketball has not only taught me to be a better player, but has given me the lessons and life skills necessary to help me succeed in life.