By Bill Bray
FREMONT – The success of a basketball team not only comes from its starting five, but also from the commitment and dedication of all its members. This senior spotlight highlights a player with that same commitment, Lady Giants’ senior, Aleah Whaley.
At the age of seven. Whaley was introduced to the game that she came to love with her mom’s choice to sign her up for “Upward Basketball” through Grace Community Church. “I always loved playing defense and just smiling at people during that time.”
As time went on, Whaley took a break from basketball until her seventh-grade year. “I decided to quit cheer and try out for basketball; ever since then I’ve loved playing basketball and am so glad that decision was made.”
Aleah’s interest for basketball continued to grow. “I also played AAU for North Coast Showtime 8ththrough 10th grades to help me get ready for the upcoming basketball seasons.” Along with these experiences Whaley attended John Lewis’ basketball clinic. Lewis was very helpful in her development. “I appreciate everything he has done for me.”
Besides basketball, Whaley enjoys her friends. “I enjoy spending time with them. They have always been here for me, and I appreciate them a lot.”
Along with school, and basketball, Whaley holds two jobs, one at Dairy Queen and the other at Journeys Family Amusement Center. “You can catch me working there outside of basketball making some money,” Whaley said.
Growing up with basketball as ‘her sport,’ it means a great deal to Whaley to be a part of the successful Little Giants program. “I truly believe we are going to do some great things this year and I am glad I am able to be a part of it. I’m glad to be a team member that represents Fremont in a respectable way. By saying I play for the Little Giants, it doesn’t always mean playing time. It means being there to support your team and cheer them on.” Whaley, whose playing time consists of playing in only a hand full of games, likes to help to bring her teammates up when they are down, and she takes pride in showing up for each practice, wanting to get better and always wanting to get her starting teammates better as well.
Whaley has remained unselfish through her high school years as she believes that whether players start or not, each has a role to play on the team. “My role is to show up to practice every day and help prepare this team and myself for the upcoming games. When the coach calls my name to play, I need to be ready to play and lastly I enjoy getting the team hyped up before the game and enjoy cheering them on.”
Recently, the coach called Whaley’s name and she indeed was ready to play. In a home game with Lima, given her chance to play, she did not disappoint. She scored 12 points for the Lady Giants. No, they weren’t lay ups or from 2-point range, but the senior sharpshooter added four 3-point shots to Ross’ total.
When asked about the future, basketball will not be a part of it. “Sadly”, she said, “I won’t be pursuing basketball after high school. I plan on attending college majoring in occupational therapy or early childhood development. I would like to attend either Bowling Green or Toledo. I attend Vanguard now in the Early Childhood Education Program. I am using it to help pave my way for the future.”
On graduation day, as Whaley earns her diploma, she will take some rich memories with her. “I’ve made lifelong friendships through my classmates and my teammates. I have had great teachers and coaches and mentors to guide me and to always push me to do better.”
One coach Whaley singled out was coach Ed Baptista. “He has always been somebody I have always looked up to as a mentor and role model. He has always pushed me to be a better player. Having him as my coach for two years, whenever I would mess up and get upset, he would always say, ‘It’s ok, worry about the next move.’ And then the coach would say ‘Do it for Roscoe’!” (The name given to the Little Giant mascot).
Baptista along with the girl’s head coach, Juan Vela, talked about Whaley’s importance as a member of the team. “Aleah gives us positive energy on our team,” Vela said. “She wants her teammates to be successful which speaks volumes for her. Having a team with players in all four grade levels, Aleah has helped to bond players together. She is an example of what high school sports is all about! I’m very proud of her for being a key member of our team.”
Coach Ed Baptista said this about Whaley, “In my opinion she’s the true definition of a “Little Giant”. She’s a great student athlete. She has worked hard for everything she has accomplished. She is one of the sweetest and kindest girls I have ever coached.”
Best of luck to Aleah, and the rest of the Lady Giants as they will carry a 16-3 record into the rest of the season and will face Oregon Clay in their first tournament game on February 19.