Anna Stephenson '21 Recruiting Profile

Growing up in a small Minnesota community, sports have always been a part of my life. I started playing basketball in third grade along with most of my friends. In high school I became a three-sport athlete, playing volleyball, basketball, and running track.

The highlight of my high school athletic career was when I was part of the State Championship 4x400 team my sophomore year. I had just started running the 400 that year in the middle of the season due to another runner getting hurt. Training for the state meet was a lot of work but the rewards were worth it. We won the championship and set the school 4x400 record. I learned a lot of things that season that I was able to apply in the next basketball season.

I have been part of a strong high school basketball program.  We were 26-2 my sophomore year. My junior year we reached the State Tournament with an undefeated record, ending the season at 30-1.  I was especially proud of what we did my junior year, since had lost three starters from the year before and our team moved up from Class A to Class AA.  We bonded as a team and proved what we could do.  That season was one of the best times of my life. We worked hard and we had fun. We knew our roles and knew what we had to do individually to help the team succeed.

My versatility is my greatest asset.  I have good size at 5’10’’, speed and I can handle the ball.  During my junior year I played post, wing, and point guard. I improved in the area of scoring by improving from 5.4 ppg my sophomore year to 14.8 ppg my junior year. I also improved in rebounding moving from 4.5 rpg to 6.4 rpg.  To me, it did not matter what position I played as long as I was helping the team.

Track and basketball have taught me the importance of hard work, friendship, and leadership.  Skills are important, but the mental aspect of a sport is what can help you throughout your lifetime.