Kristen Baham '19 Recruiting Profile

       The past three years of playing basketball at Mandeville High have not only increased my knowledge of basketball but of life experiences as well. As an incoming freshman, I worked my way up to the varsity team and ended up starting my sophomore year. However, these accomplishments weren’t handed to me; I possessed the drive to work extremely hard to achieve my goals. The summer before my junior year I really grew as a player, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to show it on the court because I tore my acl.

       My injury gave me a new perspective on how to face adversity. I could let it stop me from fulfilling my dreams, or I could look at it as a bump in the road and grow from it. I had to figure out a way to help my team without being on the floor. I decided to put all my energy into coaching our freshmen team. I invited the freshmen to come to the gym with me before school so I could train them and help them out with different aspects of the game. Every morning I was in the gym with certain groups of freshmen. It helped them tremendously during their season and also illustrated a great work ethic. Through the whole journey I improved as well; I learned that leadership is not just what you do on the court but off the court as well. I came back from my injury better than I was before, and it shows out on the floor. I believe I can have an instant affect on the college level because of my athletic ability, strong ambition, and leadership skills.