Player of the Week: Rachel Shanks

Rachel Shanks

Sometimes, a player’s true value to a team isn’t solely based on how many points she scores or rebounds she hauls down.

Rachel Shanks is one such athlete.

“It is my absolute pleasure to choose Rachel as the girls’ basketball Player of the Week. Rachel possesses an A-plus attitude and is a tremendous role model for what a teammate looks like,” Lake Region Coach Paul True said. “On the floor, Rach plays hard, is a threat on the perimeter, and is a solid rebounder! I just can’t tell you what a pleasure it is to coach Rachel. I am going to miss her tremendously next season!”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Rachel is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed T-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Shanks File

Name: Rachel Shanks

Year in School: Senior

Hometown: Naples

Parents: Janice and George Shanks

Sports you play: Basketball and lacrosse

School organizations: Varsity Club

School honors: Varsity Club award winner

Why did you choose to play basketball? I chose to play this sport because I’ve been playing since elementary school, and I always loved going to watch the high school girls play. I always looked up to them.

What is the most difficult part of the game? The most difficult part of the game is the mental aspect of it. When you miss a few shots or make a bad pass, you have to keep a positive mindset. My coaches always remind me, “You miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take.”

What do you enjoy the most about basketball? What I enjoy the most about basketball is being with my team. We motivate each other, work hard together, make each other laugh, and all around just have a good time together playing the sport that we love.

What do you feel you need to work on and why? I definitely need to work on my confidence. I second-guess my shots and passes, which causes me to make silly mistakes.

Why is teamwork important? Teamwork is important because when you have a team that pushes each other and trusts one another, you can do amazing things on the court.

What is the biggest impact your coach(es) have had on you? My coaches are some of the biggest role models in my life. They motivate me and push me to be better every day. They believed in me when I lacked belief in myself. They’re like family to me. I’m so thankful for everything they have done for me.

How do you want people to view you as an athlete? I want people to view me as an athlete who works hard. I may not be the highest scorer or best defender, but I hope people view me as the player who gives it their all for a sport that they love.

Ten years from now, when you look back on your high school sports career, what do you think you will remember most? I think that I will remember all the laughs, the hard practices, the dance parties, the celebrations and when I was with my team, it felt like I was with my second family.