Tag / scores

by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Isabella Solis

We are excited to introduce you to our last finalist from the #NextLadyLegends campaign!  Remember, beginning the week of March 20th YOU will have your chance to vote for our NATIONAL WINNER! Read more about this campaign here, read ALL of our finalist interviews here and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend.

 

isabellaSolisGraphic

For our last Finalist of our #NextLadyLegends contest, ScoreStream wanted to showcase someone that had shown heart, determination, and an attitude of perseverance. As we scoured the nation, we found ourselves casting our attention in to the deep blue pool of the Arroyo Grande’s Water Polo team. There we found senior center, Isabella Solis. No more than a year ago, Solis was dealing with an injury and was forced to miss the playoffs her junior year. If any of you have dealt with an injury, it can be both frustrating and demoralizing. However, that wasn’t the mindset of Solis. She worked throughout the off-season to come back and was able to lead her team her senior season. With Solis’s help, Arroyo Grande’s Women’s team posted a 19-7 overall record and were able to win their 13th consecutive league title led by Solis scoring 50% of the goals in the league championship game. After their impressive season ScoreStream was able to catch up with her to ask her some questions we thought our viewers may have.

isabella1

SS: How did you begin playing sports?

IS: I started out playing sports when I was very young, around 5-6, I played basketball all the way from kindergarten to eighth grade. But then my freshman year I was introduced to the sport of water polo. I have stuck with it ever since!

SS: If you were going to choose one emoji to describe yourself, what would it be and why?

IS: I would be the crying laughing face emoji 😂 because my team and I are always laughing!

SS: What female in your life is the most inspirational?

IS: My mom is the most inspirational female in my life because she is my number one fan and cheerleader! I know that life can be hard but her presence always motivates me to keep pushing through and always try your hardest!

SS: Do you have any pre-game rituals to get you pumped up for game day?

IS: I always try to stay relaxed before games and keep it loose! My goal is to play a calm and collected game, and I prepare accordingly hoping that everything runs smoothly!

SS: What players or coaches have most influenced you to be the player you are today?

IS: All the coaches that are involved in the Arroyo Grande Water polo team have played a part in influencing me as a player. I have to say Catherine Gritton, who is a volunteer coach for our team. She has truly encouraged me and helped me really develop as a person and as a water polo player. It has really been a blessing to be involved with the program and have her and our head Coach, Steven Allen, leading the way for us.

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

by Linnea Wikander

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Caitlyn Cota

We are excited to introduce you to our next finalist from the #NextLadyLegends campaign! We will continue to release interviews for each finalist, and beginning the week of March 20th YOU will have your chance to vote for our NATIONAL WINNER! Read more about this campaign here, and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend.

 

caitlynCotaGraphic

ScoreStream is happy to announce the next stellar nomination for our #NextLadyLegend feature, Caitlyn Cota from Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, CA. Cota is a threatening dual athlete who plays big roles as a captain on both her high school soccer and volleyball teams. She led her volleyball team to the CIF Semi-Finals and a state championship regional runner-up title her Senior year for the first time in program history. Cota recorded 52 aces and 323 digs on the season as the libero. She then quickly switched gears into her senior soccer season and also led her soccer team to the CIF Semi-Finals, scoring four goals on the season and earning Co-Best Defensive Player! ScoreStream got to know this multi-sport legend in making during the Q&A below.

Caitlyn 3

SS: What lessons have you learned from soccer and volleyball that you carry along in every day life?

CC: The lessons I have learned from these sports is to be tough and strong no matter what life throws in my path. If I cannot do that, something I learned from my volleyball coach is to “fake it ’till you make it”. Another lesson I live by is “one more”, which helps me persevere and keeps me motivated to push ahead when I might feel like giving up. My soccer coach wrote this on a white board after practice one night, and it has stuck with me ever since!

SS: What emoji best describes you and your teammates and why?

CC: I would definitely have to say the 💃🏽 emoji because before every volleyball and soccer game we like to listen to music and dance in the locker room. It is part of our routine and really fires us up for the game. I have the best memories from our crazy locker room parties!

SS: What female athlete do you think is changing her sport?

CC: I think an athlete that is changing ALL sports is Serena Williams because she firmly believes that women should always be judged by their achievements, not their gender. Williams once said, “People call me one of the ‘world’s greatest female athletes’. Do they say LeBron is one of the world’s best ‘male’ athletes? Is Tiger? Federer? Why not?” Women never truly get the same recognition or respect as male athletes, and I think Serena Williams is doing her best to change that.

SS: What is the most memorable moment of your high school athletic career?

CC: One thing I will never forget about high school athletics were the play off game bus rides. We would usually nap on the way to the game, but on the way home we would blast music and sing until our throats hurt! Those bus rides were where we connected with one another and made memories that will last forever. I will also always remember the overwhelming support we had from our school’s fan section, the “Warzone”, at CIF soccer Semi-Finals this year. Hearing other athletes and friends from my school cheer for us made me feel so supported, and even though I was sad it was my last soccer game, I will never forget the love and support I felt that night.

SS: How do you balance being a two sport athlete while excelling academically? What is your secret?

CC: How do I balance both high school sports, club volleyball, and school, along with making time for myself, my family, and my friends? My crazy and hectic life has taught me how to manage my time effectively and how to stay organized. I also think that loving both sports and my teammates has helped tremendously. I have learned both from academics and sports that when you work hard you will achieve greatness. I play volleyball and soccer because my love for the game continues to grow every day. I also would not be the student or athlete I am today without my friends and family cheering me on, and the endless support and love that my fellow classmates give me. My secret to balancing everything is to not do it alone! I know that I always have my friends, family, teammates, and classmates by my side.

SS: What is a fun fact about you that not many people know?

CC: Some fun facts about me are that I have never had a bloody nose, I collect cool socks, I’ve broken four bones, I’ve donated to Locks of Love twice, and I was named female athlete of the year in my eighth grade class! I was also named Senior Class Homecoming Queen this year 👑.

Caitlyn 1

You can keep up with Caitlyn’s soccer and volleyball teams at Bishop Alemany High School on ScoreStream!

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

by Linnea Wikander

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Amber Robben

We are excited to introduce you to our next finalist from the #NextLadyLegends campaign! We will continue to release interviews for each finalist, and beginning the week of March 20th YOU will have your chance to vote for our NATIONAL WINNER! Read more about this campaign here, and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend.

 

amberRobbenGraphic

ScoreStream is thrilled to present Amber Robben from Staples-Motley High School in Staples, MN as our #NextLadyLegend finalist! Robben is a senior captain on her high school basketball team who plays the essential role of point guard, and can be described as “unselfish and fast” out on the court. She has been playing basketball since the fourth grade, has fallen in love with the game, and never second guessed her decision to start playing. Part of what makes Robben a stand-out lady legend is her proven ability to overcome obstacles and take on challenges with resilience. Between 8th grade and her freshman year, Robben suffered a devastating ACL tear that she described as “one of the hardest things that’s ever happened to (her)”. Although it wasn’t easy, she was able to recover from this injury and come back even stronger to excel in her high school career. We scored a Q&A with Robben and got to learn more about her and her passion for basketball!

mbCTOAMZ

SS: Are there any female OR male athletes that you look up to for inspiration?

AR: One athlete I really look up to is my coach, Craig Wolhowe. He always knows what to say to me when I need direction physically or mentally, and he is the most kind-hearted person I know.

SS: It’s GAME DAY! What is your method for getting in the zone?

AR: On game days, I like to think about the little things we worked on in practice that week and how I’m going to apply them to the game. In the locker room before every game, my team and I carry on a tradition of chanting to get us pumped up. Lastly, I like to pray twice before heading out to the court!

SS: If you had to choose an emoji to describe you, what would it be?

AR: I would choose the smiling emoji 😄 because I’m always smiling. A big part of basketball is all about having fun and enjoying your time out on the court.

SS: When you’re not playing basketball what is your favorite activity?

AR: My favorite activity outside of basketball is definitely hanging out with my friends and family. It’s important to spend quality time with those closest to you.

SS: As a female athlete, do you think there are any misconceptions about girl’s sports?

AR: I’ve heard many negative things about girl’s sports that aren’t true. I hear that girls basketball is “boring to watch”, that we play at a slower pace, and that girl’s sports just aren’t fun. My team and I try to play the best basketball we can, and if anyone with these thoughts came out to watch us we would prove them wrong.

SS: What is your go to signature move out there on the court?

AR: My go to move is going behind the back or a step back shot 👌🏼.

ZWnxoyCL

You can follow Amber Robben on twitter @amber_robben31. Make sure to keep up with her basketball team and other sports at Staples-Motley High School on ScoreStream!

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Taylor York

We are excited to introduce you to our next finalist from the #NextLadyLegends campaign! We will continue to release interviews for each finalist, and beginning the week of March 20th YOU will have your chance to vote for our NATIONAL WINNER! Read more about this campaign here, read ALL of our finalist interviews here and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend.

 

taylorYorkGraphic

From the San Luis Obispo County, California, ScoreStream is proud to present to you our #NextLadyLegend finalist Taylor York. York is Arroyo Grande’s secret south paw’d weapon. She is a counter attack specialist that has an innate ability to simply “out-swim” the opposition. We were drawn to her through a video we found of her nailing a cross cage top corner bar in! After she helped her team post an incredible 7-0 league record we were able to catch up with her and ask her some aquatic questions we thought some of our viewers may have.

FullSizeRender (6) (1)

SS: How did you begin playing sports?

TY: I began playing sports in first grade when my parents signed me up for soccer. I was definitely competitive but I quickly found out that I am not much of a “land animal”, I have weak ankles and terrible balance. It wasn’t until my freshman year that I decided to walk onto the water polo team and I’ve been hooked ever since.

SS: What do you think of when you think of Women’s History Month?

TY: When I think of Women’s History Month I think of female empowerment. Sometimes I find myself taking for granted the struggles that Women through history have endured in order to give me the life I am able to live today. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to compete on a sports team or be able to be a leader with a voice. If it wasn’t for The Women’s Suffrage Movement and every woman who stood up, my life would be drastically different.

SS: What female in your life is the most inspirational?

TY: My mom is the most inspirational female in my life because she is a natural born leader. She has a gift of getting people to rally behind a certain cause to better the community or our future. Above all she cares about every single person and puts everyone else’s needs above her own.

SS: Any emoji that describes you and your teammates?

TY: If I had to pick one emoji to describe my my team it would be 😂. At times we can be incredibly serious but one of the things that set us apart from other teams is how close we are and our team dynamic. We really had an incredible ability to come together and have the best time with each other.

SS: It’s game day, what is your go to method for getting in the zone?

TY: My go to method for getting in the zone is to visualize myself making plays, that helps me really think about what I’m doing and prepare mentally for the game. It reminds me of what to do in certain situations to optimize scoring opportunities.

SS: What is your go to method when creating a scoring opportunity?

TY: My method for creating a good scoring opportunity is to gain a positional advantage and then out swim the opponent. Speed is my specialty, and that usually creates a good counter attack scoring opportunity.

You can keep up with York and Arroyo Grande on ScoreStream!

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

by Linnea Wikander

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Alyssa Lester

We are excited to introduce you to our next finalist from the #NextLadyLegends campaign! We will continue to release all the interviews for each finalist, and beginning the week of March 20th YOU will have your chance to vote for our NATIONAL WINNER! Read more about this campaign here, read ALL finalist interviews here and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend.

 

alyssaLesterGraphic

ScoreStream is ecstatic to reveal our #NextLadyLegend finalist, multi-sport athlete Alyssa Lester from Bluefield High School in Bluefield, WV. Whether she’s powering goals in the back of the net out on the field, making a quick drive to the hoop out on the court, or studying for her exams, Lester executes everything she does with passion and resilience. As a junior on her school soccer team, she has already recorded a remarkable 103 goals and 67 assists. She has been awarded Coalfield Conference First Team-All league for three years in a row, and earned the All-State Award in 2016 all for soccer. Lester has also earned three state championships with her traveling soccer team, the East River Raptors, who she’s been playing for since she was eight years old. The stats don’t stop there! Lester also averages ten points, two steals, and four assists a game as a starter on her high school basketball team. She has been a sectional champion for basketball all three years of her high school career! We got to know Lester and learn about her secrets to success in the Q&A below.

unnamed (1)

SS: How and when did you begin playing basketball and soccer?

AL: My dominant sport is soccer, which I have been playing since I was four years old. No one in my family has ever played soccer, so it was kind of a fluke that I started playing. My dad was a big basketball player back in his day, so of course he wanted me to play and I started at the age of five. Although I love both sports, soccer stole my heart because of the physicality and intensity of the game. Ever since I played in my first soccer game, I have never thought once about giving up the sport. I love basketball for the competitiveness as well. I am so glad I started out as a multi-sport athlete at a young age, because it has made me into the athlete and person who I am today.

SS: What is your favorite/most used app on your phone?

AL: I use the Pandora music app 🎧 the most because I love music and it relaxes me. It really helps me focus and get prepared on game day!

SS: What is your go to method when creating a scoring opportunity on the field or court?

AL: I am known for being a team player. I love getting my team involved in tough games. My method of getting the ball in the back of the net is a give and go, which is a quick, two-pass combo to get around the defender! In basketball I am a shooting guard so I have to make moves to free myself open for a shot. I shoot mid-range jump shots and make quick drives to the hoop.

SS: What female athlete do you think is changing her sport?

AL: Alex Morgan has made FIFA respect the women’s game of soccer. Her incredible love for the sport has opened the eyes of many to gender equality out on the field.

SS: You are a multi-sport athlete who scored 100 goals by your junior year on the soccer team and starts on the basketball team, while maintaining a 4.1 GPA. How do you balance everything?

AL: I was taught growing up that school always comes first, so I take my work very seriously. I am definitely not the procrastinating type and I like to get my work done quickly yet efficiently. I work extremely hard both on the field/court and in the classroom. I love challenging myself and keeping myself occupied. I balance my school and sports by pushing myself, and I am always open to learning something new. I do my work while I am at school, but once it’s time for practice, I am focusing 100% on my sport. I have to separate school from sports to keep from overworking myself.

SS: As a female athlete, do you think there are any misconceptions about women’s sports?

AL: Many people believe that women’s sports are less competitive than men’s sports, and I don’t think that is true at all. I have been playing sports my entire life and I’ve seen first-hand how competitive girls can get. It’s also assumed that women’s sports aren’t as tough as men’s. Women are as mentally and physically strong as any man. The only thing that separates us is our gender, not our sports 💪🏼.

alyssa 2 (1)

You can keep up with Lester and her teams’ soccer and basketball success at Bluefield High School on ScoreStream!

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Nicole Heyn

We are excited to introduce you to our next finalist from the #NextLadyLegends campaign! We will continue to release interviews for each finalist, and beginning the week of March 20th YOU will have your chance to vote for our NATIONAL WINNER! Read more about this campaign here, read ALL of our finalist interviews here and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend.

 

nicoleHeynGraphic

On every team there needs to be a leader that carries the team in the right direction. In the case of The Maple Mountain Golden Eagles, we find ourself fixated on Nicole Heyn. Heyn is a Senior that consistently led her team and put them ahead of herself this season. She put up an impressive 12.8 points per game, with 5.1 rebounds, shot a staggering 81% on her free throws, as well as recorded 3.2 steals per game! All of that translated into scoring over 250 points this season, and achieving top 2 for every major category on the stat sheet as well! She was everything we envisioned in our #NextLadyLegend contest and ScoreStream was lucky to catch up with her! Venture below for our Q&A we were able to conduct with her.

unnamed

SS: If you were going to choose one emoji to describe yourself, what would it be and why?

NH: Definitely 😂! When my team is not in a serious situation, I always try to be laughing, smiling, and maintaining high morale!

SS: Do you have any pre-game rituals to get you pumped up for game day?

NH: Not anything that specifically gets me pumped up…but I always braid my hair the same way before games.

SS: What woman do you think is changing her sport?

NH: I think Elena Delle Done is changing the sport of basketball. She is so multifaceted in the way she plays and I think the game is going to change because of her. I expect more skill and variety from women in the future.

SS: As a young female athlete, are there any female OR male athletes that inspire you and that you channel for strength and focus?

NH: On the women’s side, I would have to say Candace Parker. She’s had many ups and downs in her life yet she is always is playing better every year. She even finds a way to involve a lot of other things that aren’t basketball related. For a men’s athlete, I would say Damian Lillard. He lets his game show what he’s all about. He has always been an underdog but works soo hard to show who he truly is!

SS: What is your go to method when creating a scoring opportunity out on the court?

NH: Driving up the middle into the paint, preferably right handed, then spinning to finish left handed for the layup!

SS: How/when did you begin playing basketball?

NH: It all started when I was 6, I was signed up to play “Little-Hoopsters”, the kid league in my city. After that I was hooked!

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

by Linnea Wikander

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Nicole Heffington

We are excited to introduce you to our next finalist from the #NextLadyLegends campaign! We will continue to release interviews for each finalist, and beginning the week of March 20th YOU will have your chance to vote for our NATIONAL WINNER! Read more about this campaign here, and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend.

 

nicoleHeffingtonGraphic

Our next finalist we are thrilled to introduce to you is Nicole Heffington, a 5′ 10″ basketball stand-out from Mentor High School in Mentor, OH. Heffington has made a crucial impact on her high school team every since she stepped foot on campus, starting all four years of her high school career. In her senior season, she averaged an impressive 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks per game. She also passed the 1,000 career point mark, which she talks about as one of favorite basketball memories. Basketball has been a passion of hers ever since she started playing eleven years ago, and since then she has played for Mentor Rec, Mentor High School, travel ball teams, and Improv AAU. ScoreStream was lucky to catch up with Heffinton between baskets in the Q&A below!

unnamed-1

SS: What lessons have you learned from playing basketball that you carry along in your everyday life?

NH: The most important lessons I have learned from basketball are how to work well with a team, how to communicate with others, and how to lead a group of people and get them to come together. These are all valuable skills that I can take off the court too!

SS: What emoji best describes you and your teammates and why?

NH: I picked the 😂 emoji because my team and I are always laughing when we are together on and off the court and especially in our group text message. It’s how we bond together and build team chemistry.

SS: Do you have a female OR male athlete that you look up to for inspiration?

NH: I’ve always looked up to Maya Moore, who is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Lynx, Team USA, and previously the UCONN Huskies. I’ve been watching her play since I was a young girl and always had posters of her hanging in my room.

SS: It’s GAME DAY! How do you get in the zone to prepare?

NH: On game days, I always watch some film on the team that we are playing before heading out to the court so I know what to expect and how to mentally prepare myself. Good music is also a big part of my game day routine because it helps pump me up! 👊🏼

SS: What is the most memorable moment of your high school basketball career?

NH: My most memorable high school basketball moment was definitely scoring my 1,000th point! It was a feeling I will never forget and my team made it so special for me.

SS: What are your athletic and academic aspirations for after high school?

NH: It is my dream to continue playing basketball at a four year university. Off the court, I have big career goals as well, which include studying to become a neonatal nurse practitioner.

unnamed (2)

You can follow Nicole Heffington on twitter @heffington17. Make sure to keep up with her basketball team and other sports at Mentor High School on ScoreStream!

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Danielle Jenkins

We are excited to introduce you to our next finalist from the #NextLadyLegends campaign! We will continue to release interviews for each finalist, and beginning the week of March 20th YOU will have your chance to vote for our NATIONAL WINNER! Read more about this campaign here, read ALL of our finalist interviews here and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend.

danielleJenkinsGraphic

When athletes play, they often claim they can’t hear the crowd cheering, booing, or attempting to distract them. Sports psychologist call it, “playing in the zone.” No one knows that silent zone better than goalies. Goalies have to play with the weight of the world on their shoulder and are often labeled as a God or a GOAT. They are instrumental in making key plays that more often than not, determine the fate of the game. Once such goalie is Arroyo Grande’s Danielle Jenkins. Jenkins was nominated as a #NextLadyLegend shortly after making an impressive 28 saves for her team in a win against the Temple City Rams. On top of that, she blocked an impressive 71.7% of the shots that were taken last season. As well as making saves on over 60% of her team’s man down (5 on 6) possessions. ScoreStream was able to catch up with her and ask her some questions we thought our viewers may have.

IMG_1428 (1)

SS: How did you begin playing sports?

DJ: I started playing sports when I was young. I have always been infatuated with water so naturally I have been drawn to aquatic activities. It doesn’t matter if its a pool, ocean, or a lake. All I cared about was being in it. You could say I am a fish at heart! I even have the birthmark to prove it.

SS: What is your go to approach on a penalty shot?

DJ: When a 5-meter penalty shot gets awarded, I immediately get “laser focused” and in “the zone”. All my attention is dedicated to the girl with the ball and the referee with the whistle.

SS: It’s game day, what is your go to method for getting in the zone?

DJ: During the day I go about my life as normal as possible. I do my best to not to think about the game or stress over it. When I get to the pool deck, I immediately get pumped by talking to my teammates, bantering back and forth, and just over all joking around.

SS: What comes to mind when you think of Women’s History Month?

DJ: I think about all the woman that are empowered through the recognition they receive during Woman’s History Month! Every year that it is acknowledged is a giant step into a more equal society between men and women.

SS: What lesson have you learned from playing that you carry along in every day life?

DJ: I first started playing water polo in 7th grade and I immediately thought it was a lot of fun and that continued into 8th grade. However, when I got to the end of my 8th grade year I wasn’t so sure I could make the high school team. I didn’t think I was good enough and weary about playing at the next level. My parents and coach convinced me into staying in it for one more year and we agreed that if I still didn’t like it, then I could quit. Despite my initial feelings, once I started playing in high school I realized how much I loved it. After that I learned that you should never give anything up without trying. It is impossible to know what you can accomplish if you don’t give it an honest try.

SS: Is there any emoji that describes you and your teammates?

DJ: I don’t think just one emoji could even come close to accurately describing my team or I. But a few might, those would most likely be..🙄😜😂

 

Make sure to keep up with Danielle Jenkins and Arroyo Grande on ScoreStream!

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

by Linnea Wikander

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Kaila Stoltzfus

kailaStoltzfusGraphic

We at ScoreStream are proud to reveal our next finalist, Kaila Stoltzfus, from Garden Spot High School in New Holland, PA. Stoltzfus has been playing basketball since the first grade, and she is so passionate about the sport that she also enjoys watching it and coaching in her free time. As a shooting guard for her high school team, she played an important leadership role in her senior season by inspiring her teammates with positivity on and off the court. When she’s not playing basketball, Stoltzfus likes to spend time on her family’s dairy farm where they house over 180 cows! In the fall of every year, she even competes in national shows across the country to show them off. Stoltzfus is excited to continue her academic and athletic career at Lancaster Bible College next year playing basketball. Just before tip-off, we were able to shoot some questions to Kaila about her high school basketball career!

nd3rqHkj

SS: It’s GAME DAY! How do you get in the zone to prepare?

KS: Team meals! One of the best parts about game day is the team meal that we get to eat together. I’m extremely thankful for all the moms on our team that make delicious food for us to get fueled up for game-time.

SS: What is your go to method when creating a scoring opportunity out there on the court?

KS: You definitely have to use your teammates. You cannot just go out onto the court and expect to score all the points on your own. To me, assists are just as important as points.

SS: What female athlete do you think is changing her sport and why?

KS: Mo’ne Davis is a woman who I believe is doing her best to change her sport. Along with basketball, baseball is my favorite sport. I love how she is able to go out and play baseball, which is primary a male sport, and excel like it is no big deal to her. She is truly an inspiration!

SS: What is the most memorable moment of your high school basketball career thus far?

KS: My senior night. Going into the game, everyone was asking me, “Are you ready?” I just played like it was any other game because I could not let my emotions get out of control. It was still emotional, leaving a court that you spent the past four years working hard on. However, it definitely motivated me and the other seniors to get the win that night. We were playing a team that we had previously lost to by 14 points, but we got revenge with a 36-28 win! The moment when the buzzer went off was by far the best moment in my high school career. After I came out of the locker room, I walked into the silent gym and took it all in one last time.

SS: What emoji best describes you and your teammates?

KS: A heart ❤️.  My team has been through a lot on and off the court, but the moment we walk off, we leave together as best friends.

SS: What are your athletic and academic aspirations for after high school?

KS: I will be continuing my education and basketball career at Lancaster Bible College. I will be studying business, inspired by my aspiration to work in the healthcare administration some day!

j8ckiE0V

You can keep up with Kaila on twitter @kailastoltzfus, and follow along with her collegiate basketball team Lancaster Bible College next year on ScoreStream!

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play

by Bryan Cook

ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend Finalist: Alexa Russo

 We are excited to introduce you to our next finalist from the #NextLadyLegends campaign! We will continue to release interviews for each finalist, and beginning the week of March 20th YOU will have your chance to vote for our NATIONAL WINNER! Read more about this campaign here, read ALL of our finalist interviews here and check out the action on twitter using #NextLadyLegend.

 

alexaRussoGraphic

In the past, the bulk of ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend finalists were signed, committed, and just about ready to leave for the college of their choice. However that isn’t the case for our next finalist. Only a sophomore at Tampa Catholic, Alexa Russo has already accumulated multiple Division I offers by regularly proving to be a unique athlete. In her freshman year, she posted an impressive .542 batting average with 3 home runs and was named the MVP of her class! As a Sophomore, she is currently batting .667 with 1 home run. We were recently able to speak to Alexa’s High School coach, Jackie Hirschfeld. She described Alexa as, “A natural born leader both on and off the field…that has been flawless this year.” After talking with her coach, we knew we had to catch up with Alexa and inquire with her about the pandemonium she is creating!

IMG_1172 (1)

SS: How did you begin playing sports?

AR: I began playing baseball when I was about four years old. Around that time, my mom also enrolled me in a ballet class. After that class, I had to break the news to her that I wanted to be on the field and not in the studio. My father and uncle both played professional baseball, so naturally I grew up around the sport and was always surrounded by ball players. I played for my dad and uncle in the their travel-ball league until I was in the 7th grade. After that I made the switch to playing softball.

SS: When you think of Women’s History Month what comes to mind?

AR: I think of the all iconic women we know today. Each one of them fought for women’s rights during a time when the odds were definitely stacked against them. Because of the strides they made, women in today’s world have the opportunity to make a larger impact in society than ever before.

SS: Favorite professional female athlete?

AR: Jennie Finch! She is my favorite female athlete because she has worked extremely hard and is deserving for all of her accolades. I really look up to her because she knew how to control the game and she was the first women’s softball player that I watched compete.

SS: What lesson have you learned from playing that you carry along in every day life?

AR: You need to work hard for anything you want in life. I always try to remember that I can do anything I set my mind to! Especially when the odds are against me, I just remember to keep fighting. You can always come back and win if you are down.

SS: It’s game day, what is your go to method for getting in the zone?

AR: I try to stay loose, have fun, and hang out with my teammates. Sometimes there can be a lot of pressure associated with playing sports. I just try to have fun and motivate my teammates in anyway I can.

 SS: Is there any emoji that describes you and your teammates?

 AR: 🔥😂 My teammates and I are always laughing and having a great time together. We do our best to stay lit and as a unit we make a lot of priceless memories both on and off the field!

You can follow Alexa on twitter @alexarusssoo and check out her softball highlights, games, scores, for the next few years on ScoreStream

Want to follow high school and club sports in real-time? Download the ScoreStream app for free here: Itunes or Google Play