By Payton Moody
Leading the Team as Seniors – Alanna Williams and Sofia Camp
At the center of the Hartshorne Lady Miners Basketball Team, two senior players, Alanna Williams and Sofia Camp, stand out for their skill, dedication and leadership. As they approach their final season, they reflect on the influences that have shaped their journey, the camaraderie with teammates and the aspirations that propel them forward.
For Alanna, Mrs. Vega holds a special place as her favorite coach, guiding her from elementary to middle school: “She was the reason I started playing basketball. She always knew my potential.”
Sofia acknowledges Coach Shane Hackler as her favorite coach. “Coach Hackler always pushes me to my limits and never lets me settle for less.”
Junior Jayda Moore earns Alanna’s admiration for her relentless motivation. “She has pushed me every day in the gym and pushes me to be better outside of the gym,” Alanna said.
Sofia collectively admires her current teammates, emphasizing the unity and support that define their shared journey.
Monica Brown, for Alanna, and Danielle Spears, for Sofia, emerge as influential teachers. Alanna highlights Mrs. Brown’s impact on her English studies, while Sofia appreciates Spears’ positive demeanor and respectful treatment.
Both seniors dedicated their off-season to rigorous preparation. “I hit the gym more and trained my mind to be more successful and work out a lot,” Alanna said. Sofia and the team embraced two-a-days, featuring 6 a.m. workouts and extended afternoon practices, coupled with open gym sessions for conditioning and skill development.
Basketball has instilled essential life lessons in these seniors. Alanna emphasizes the mindset of consistently pushing oneself harder, while Sofia underscores the values of discipline and respect cultivated through the sport.
The memories etched in their basketball journey are precious. “Going to state is my favorite memory,” Alanna reminisced. Sofia fondly recalls Coach Hackler’s celebratory dance after significant victories, emblematic of shared triumphs. “Coach Hackler hitting the griddy after every big win we’ve had,” Sofia laughed.
As they embark on their senior season, both players share collective and individual goals. “I hope to play together as a team and have fun this year and take this year personally,” Alanna said. Sofia aims to contribute significantly to her team’s success and dreams of another state playoff run, aspiring to bring home the coveted gold ball. According to Sofia, her individual goal is to “do my part and contribute in every way I can for my team.”
Beyond high school, Alanna envisions attending college for basketball. Sofia, with an immersive approach, hopes to attend college and discover her path while there.
