Girl, what’s your hoops dream? 3 tips to help you get there

by Michaela Smalley

WNBA, USWNT & women’s college hoops writer, former Atlanta Dream intern

Girl, what’s your hoops dream?

Is it to get a college scholarship? Is it to play for Team USA or a WNBA team? Regardless of what you hope to achieve, there are a few things to keep in mind as you endeavor to reach your basketball goals.

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP

Basketball is a sport filled with momentum swings, and that translates into life as well. You are going to go through many ups and downs. A lot of people will sleep on you. You will get a lot of no’s and head shakes. You’re going to get frustrated that someone started over you or that you were taken out of a game. You’re going to have coaches who are difficult to play for, but you must keep your head up.

No one is able to do that for you. It must be a daily decision to grind, battle, settle your differences and forgive yourself when you make mistakes. You may be a fantastic baller, but you also are human and prone to make mistakes. Learn from your errors and work on becoming a teammate you would want to have on your team.

BE COACHABLE

Even the greatest athletes across the NCAA and WNBA need coaching. Learning never stops, regardless of what level you’re at. Communicate with your coaches and make sure they know you’re committed to bettering yourself and the team. Let them know your plans and goals and that you want to be challenged in a way that prepares you to achieve your hoops dreams.

NEVER MISS AN OPORTUNITY TO GET BETTER

This goes for anytime and anywhere. But in the current, unprecedented time of the coronavirus many gyms and fitness centers are closed as people are urged to quarantine and stay away from the general public. Many players will sit at home and take a few months off. Many won’t pick up a basketball, go for a run or lift weights.

To play basketball at the college and professional levels, you have to always prioritize your game and your fitness even when the circumstances are different and unrealistic. I guarantee you, your college or professional basketball idols are still grinding. You have to continue to push for greatness as you keep your dreams in mind. Remember, a college scholarship or WNBA draft pick is not going to land on your doorstep.

So, what will you do? What will your future be? Ultimately, it’s up to you. Keep working hard and model the winning habits of college and WNBA stars – they made it that far for a reason.