Senior Gift Sika has been playing girls’ basketball for six years, including three on the Sahuaro team. Gift is a power forward in basketball, so her job is to finish strong to the basket and be a tough obstacle for the other teams. Her basketball skills have been recognized, especially this year when she received a 4A Kino Second-Team honor. Gift said, “I was very shocked when I first found out I was on the list for being on Second-Team for 4A Kino but I was very proud of myself too.” This is an exhilarating and huge accomplishment in the high school sports world because it shows that you have been recognized by coaches in the division and your skills have been seen too.
However, her achievements haven’t been without setbacks. Gift played on a torn labrum for 2 years before finally getting surgery. After getting physical therapy, she was cleared 4-5 months later and then had to learn how to play with a shoulder that felt new. This year, her knee got injured, making it even harder for her to play. Learning to overcome these injuries was a tribulation for Gift, but she accomplished so much and her beliefs got her through it this year, making the journey all worth it.
This year is her last year playing in high school, so it has been a big year for reminiscing and thinking of all her years of sports at Sahuaro. Gift has many great memories like all the times she went on trips with her team for tournaments in California and the many bus rides they shared. Gift said, “I will miss the laughs and the fun times, especially being able to connect with my teammates over the years.” Playing with other competitive teams will always bring people together; Gift has always enjoyed playing Salpointe because you know that it will be a great game to watch and play. Camaraderie and sisterhood strengthen a team and Gift has felt that for as long as she can remember throughout her time playing at Sahuaro.
Gift has 3 brothers, and credits her mom and dad, who have always supported her in playing basketball, She aspires to pursue basketball further in college while studying sports medicine. When she graduates, she intends to become an orthopedic doctor because she has always been interested in the medical field. Gift has many goals after high school and further into the future; her gifts will take her far.
