The Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week for Dec. 19 are from Kentlake High School; Lehua Aloha-Tailiili (Sr.) basketball and Jackson Harrigan (Fr.) Tennis.
What do you value in your sport or about your team?
Harrigan: I value leadership and making my team better each day by competing and leading.
Aloha-Tailiili: I value all the bonds that I’ve made playing this sport as well as the discipline this sport has given me.
What have you learned from your sport that you can take with you throughout your life/future?
Harrigan: I have learned that mistakes will always happen but you should always keep going in life.
Aloha-Tailiili: I learned that I can take my discipline and support with me for myself but also to help others along the way.
What do you do when you aren’t motivated and what helps you stay motivated?
Harrigan: My teammates help me stay motivated and always push me to be better at basketball.
Aloha-Tailiili: When I’m not motivated I look to my siblings and lovely boyfriend for help because they always keep my head straight and mind focused on what’s important.
Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?
Harrigan: Usually chicken and a chocolate milk protein drink.
Aloha-Tailiili: I always eat eggs with ham and broccoli for the protein and veggies.
What advice would you give to a teammate that is struggling?
Harrigan: I would tell them to talk to coach Huerta. He always helps people out and motivates them. I would also remind them that they are on varsity for a reason and are good at basketball.
Aloha-Tailiili: Advice I would give to a struggling teammate would be to not compare yourself to anybody, instead, compete with yourself and just have fun because when you stop having fun, what’s the point?
From the sideline:
Harrigan: Jackson has come into Kentlake and made an immediate impact on our Falcon program. Although he is just a 9th grader, his ability to take coaching points and ask questions has allowed him to showcase hiss basketball skills and impact our team in a positive way. His leadership skills have impressed myself and the entire coaching staff.
Aloha-Tailiili: Lehua has grown so much as a player but more importantly as a person. She has taken on a leadership and mentoring role for the program. She does a lot behind the scenes that most people don’t see, but it can be felt all throughout the program. She has become the player and person a coach hopes for.
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