Rule #1…Don’t sweat the small stuff

Rule #2…It’s all small stuff

For Megan Arnold, a junior at Rock Creek High school, following her mom’s advice is what lights her pathway to making every day count. 

“Mom always tells me…no matter what someone says, don’t let it bother you,” said Arnold, a member of the Lady Mustangs basketball team. “I use those type of challenges as motivation to do better.” 

The 16-year old admits that she discovered her passion for playing basketball when she was in the third grade at Rock Creek.

“My first time playing basketball was when I was just eight years old on our school team. Most of the girls on that team are still my teammates today,” recalled Megan. “It’s more like family not just teammates

When she takes the court for the Lady Mustangs, Arnold continues to wear jersey number 12, continuing a family tradition.

“My mom, Christine Bruce, played basketball when she went to school at Rock Creek and wore number 12 so I wanted to wear it too.”

For Megan, whether its basketball practices and games, classroom studies or everyday life, doing what’s right is what matters most.

“When you do things the right way, there’s no need for excuses,” she explained. “Whatever I’m doing, I try to give it my all.”

Jeff Counce, girls’ basketball coach at Rock Creek, confirms Megan’s commitment to achieving success.

“Megan is very likeable and she’s extremely humble. She doesn’t say much but lets her efforts and actions do all her talking,” said Counce. “Our team definitely plays better when she’s on the court because of her basketball IQ.”

Admitting he wants his 5-foot-7 starting guard to take more shots, Counce praises Arnold’s approach to playing basketball.

“She would rather her teammates get all the glory than shine the light on herself. In my opinion, Megan is good as gold.”

That game plan, as Megan Arnold explains, is all about making character count.

“Who you are is what you do and a person’s character is what defines an individual,” she explained. I just try to make a difference, more than the score, and prove my commitment by doing what’s right and help anyone, everyday.”