By Amen Dilawar
A lot of students want to join the basketball team but presumably don’t know much about it. I’ve interviewed one of the Junior Varsity basketball players of MCSM to ensure that everyone knows what it is like to be on a team. Soyoung Kim, one of our JV team members, shares her experience with basketball and answers some fascinating questions.
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Q: What’s it like being on the basketball team? Why do you like basketball? What made you choose it? Do you think it was worth joining, or do you regret it sometimes?
Soyoung Kim: Even though it can be intense to both practice basketball and do schoolwork, it was such a valuable moment. I enjoy basketball since we learn how to cooperate as a team, and take responsibility to commit to group practice. My dad told me that I shouldn’t study all day but should also go out and play sports with friends. I have never regretted that I joined the team.
Q: How long have you been playing basketball?
Soyoung Kim: It was actually my first time playing basketball when I joined the JV team. It’s been only 4 months or so that I have been playing.
Q: How do you guys practice? How do your teams work together? Does the coach illustrate important skills? How does that all of that work?
Soyoung Kim: During the off-season, we focus on running drills, rather than actually throwing the balls. We call these “suicides” as the drill involves repeated sprinting across the court. We also practice passing, free throws, lay ups, plays (with names like New York, Salary, Pizza, Beef) and actual basketball games.
Q: What are the pros and cons of joining the team? Would you recommend others to join it?
Soyoung Kim: The best part is that you learn how to cooperate with your team and how to make a fair play. But you need to spend a lot of time in practice with full commitment and responsibility. I would recommend it to anyone eager to run and compete.
Q: What is PSAL? Can you tell me what it stands for and how it’s related to sports?
Soyoung Kim: PSAL stands for Public Schools Athletic League. In the PSAL system, there are JV and Varsity teams.
Q: Is it stressful to stay in school late and still have a lot of homework to do when you get home? If so, how do you handle it?
Soyoung Kim: Yes. We usually practice 3 or 4 days a week. On Mondays, we had to practice from 5 pm to 7 pm due to court availability. It was already 8 pm when I got home, entirely exhausted. I tried to finish my homework during lunch or on the bus. If there was too much homework and exams to prepare for, I usually slept only 2~3 hours.
Q: What do you do when you can’t make it to one of the practices? Is there a way to contact your coach?
Soyoung Kim: You can contact the captains through the app called “WhatsApp,” and the captains contact the coaches. Or, you can tell the coach directly during lunch time. If something unexpected happens, you can make an excuse. However, if you don’t inform them well in advance, at least a day before, you get a strike. When you receive 3 strikes, you’re off the team.
Q: If you didn’t play basketball, what sport would you like to play? Why? What advice would you give to someone who wants to play basketball?
Soyoung Kim: I would like to do gymnastics, since I practiced it for years. [But] if you are passionate about something new, and if you want to experience team spirit, I would highly recommend playing basketball.
Q: What advice has the coach given you that you will always remember? Is there something significant that you always have on your mind before, or while playing?
Soyoung Kim: I remember Coach Brittany always told us “If you make a mistake during practice, you make mistakes on the court.” That inspires us to practice as hard as if it were an actual game. Also, Coach Tingson told us “I don’t care about winning, but I care about you guys playing hard.”
Q: How do you deal with the pressure of having to perform in front of the crowd? Were you shy in the beginning?
Soyoung Kim: It’s usually parents coming to watch the games, and their cheers were really encouraging. And once the game starts, you can’t see anything else but the ball.
Q: How did you stay motivated after losing a game? Do you care about other teams winning? How intense is the competition?
Soyoung Kim: Our coaches motivated us highly even when we lost. Their advice: ‘I don’t really care about winning or losing, but I care about our team not getting injured and trying our best on the court.’ And I totally agree with them.
Q: Have you ever had any basketball injury? What tips would you give to someone going out for basketball?
Soyoung Kim: Not really. I only have big bruises over my knees and arms. However, my teammates Stian’s and Marina were injured in the knees and ankles quite often.
Q: What helped you become what you are today? Do you want to become an international player in the future?
Soyoung Kim: I don’t consider basketball as my future career, but I want to play basketball in college as well. It’s strengthening for your body and teaches you how to become a part of a team.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player? If you don’t have one or are unsure, what traits should a good player have? Are you the best player in your opinion?
Soyoung Kim: One should have endurance while running, and have the dedication to come to practice. I am not the best player in my opinion. 🙂
Q: Is it necessary to be on one of the teams to apply to great colleges? How’s basketball affecting you academically? Is it helping or hurting your grades?
Soyoung Kim: I recommend being on one of the athletic teams, or in band/choir in your high school career. If you can balance sport and school, it would benefit your college resume. It didn’t really affect my grades while I played basketball.
Q: How is this sport special to you more than all the other ones? Why would anyone be interested in it? Why should other people give it a try? Do you think it deserves it?
Soyoung Kim: I enjoyed basketball since from the game to practice because I really like our team. If it is a JV team, you don’t really have to have prior experience. It is a good sport where teamwork and lots of running are required.
Q: Can you please rate your experience so far with basketball on a scale of 1-10?
Soyoung Kim: I would rate my experience with basketball as 9 out of 10.