Senior Roya Smith scored her 1,000th high school basketball career point on January 21 in a game against Woodlands Academy, a milestone accomplished by only 13 girls in Latin history.
Roya has been playing since she was 8 years old and has played for the Latin basketball team, along with the Chicagoland M14 Hoops and Mac Irvin Fire travel teams, for all four years of high school.
“It honestly feels amazing because I can see how my hard work paid off,” Roya said. “And to be in a select number of people who have reached [this goal] also feels amazing.”
While Roya dedicates much of her time to basketball, she did not consciously set out to reach 1,000 points.
“I've thought about it and hoped I would make it, but I wasn't planning to reach it until the last couple of games [this season],” Roya said.
Throughout all of her basketball seasons, Roya has had a support system comprised of her coaches and family.
“My dad has always been an advocate for me and very involved,” Roya said, noting also that her high school coaches, including Max Rouse and Amanda Anderson, have been very helpful.
Roya’s teammates also contributed to her accomplishments.
“I am so grateful for having such a supportive team these past four years and for being able to have them with me for this achievement,” she said. “I think we share the ball very well, and we are all cheering for and supporting each others’ successes and victories on and off the court.”
More than cheering her on during games, Roya’s teammates have impacted her mindset.
“My confidence in myself has grown from the help of my teammates and family, and I am moving on after mistakes and just becoming a better leader to those on the court,” Roya said.
Additionally, Roya’s leadership skills throughout the season were clearly acknowledged among her teammates.
Varsity girls basketball player and freshman Alexis Fischer said, “Roya is a good teammate because she always tells people what to do when they are confused. She works really hard in practice and gives people helpful pointers.”
Sophomore Myla Robertson also attested to her value and growth as a teammate.
“Roya is an amazing leader and such a talented player, and I’m so proud of her for everything she has done for the team during her career,” Myla said.
Roya’s guidance is also apparent to her coaches.
“This year, Roya's leadership was invaluable, and she played a key role in the team's success,” Mr. Rouse said.
Her coaches are proud of not only her leadership but also her remarkable growth.
“This season, Roya let the game come to her offensively and was a catalyst for everything we did on that end of the floor,” Mr. Rouse said.
Roya averaged 14 points per game this year, but her contributions went beyond her scoring. “She's a great ball handler and passer,” Mr. Rouse said. “Defensively, she improved her ability to pressure the ball and provide help to her teammates.”
While Roya considers what her future in basketball will look like as she “plans to either walk on to a [college] team or keep playing club just for fun,” she continues to inspire younger players.
“Be confident in yourself and the work you put in,” she said, “because it will eventually show.”
