High school sports can be fun and engaging, but there is some challenge to every sport, whether it’s the fear of making the team or performing well in the sport. That hasn’t stopped high school athlete Princess Fletcher. The senior has embraced trying new sports, while also excelling at sports she has more experience in. Fletcher has played four different sports: basketball, track and field, cheer and football. According to Fletcher, each sport has given her a goal to achieve and helped her become a better athlete and person.
“Sports has opened that door for me because I’m not a very social person, and when it comes to sports like basketball, it’s very hard to play alone because it’s a team sport,” Fletcher said. “That was how I was able to socially assimilate.”
Throughout Fletcher’s athletic career, she has picked up many accomplishments all around the board. To start, Fletcher qualified for state in track and field for shot put in her first and second year on the team.
Joe Salvador, basketball and track coach, pointed out Fletcher’s impressive track and field history.
“One of the most impressive things that I saw Princess do was walk out to track and field and go to state in shot put,” Salvador said.
Fletcher has also made a huge impact towards the girls basketball program. Salvador pointed out Fletcher’s ability to be a leader and her overall skill on the court.
“Every time she steps on the court, probably one of the best athletes on the court,” Salvador said. “She’s the quiet leader, works hard, doesn’t say much to people, but when she gets fired up, she’ll let you know.”
This year, Fletcher wants to go for those leadership positions in both basketball and track and field.
“That’s what I’m gonna go for since this is my last year, so why not?” Fletcher said.
According to Fletcher, she is hoping and looking for potential colleges in both track and field shot put and basketball.
Another sport that Fletcher has decided to try out her senior year is football. The mostly male-dominated sport has really improved her athleticism and skill, according to Fletcher.
“It’s been eye opening to be able to play a sport among a different gender because I’m used to playing with just girls,” Fletcher said. “It’s made me a bit stronger as an athlete.”
Football teammate Jermiah Linier highlighted Fletcher’s skill and ability on the football team, as well as her gritty attitude.
“Anybody, boy or girl, deserves a chance at any kind of sport. She has great athletic ability and keeps up with all the other players,” Linier said, “As long as she keeps showing up, I consider her as one of us.”
Fletcher is a big example of a person who has used sports to step outside of their comfort zone, and she is always ready to embrace a new challenge ahead. Whether it be placing for state or keeping up with a sport she hasn’t tried before, Fletcher is always looking at the next step ahead.
“Picking up a few sports helped me as an individual grow rather than just hiding in my shell, and I would say anyone who’s thinking about joining a sport should go for it,” Fletcher commented.
