An athlete’s state of mind is perhaps a very important factor that affects performance. Senior Callie Anderson, a member of the varsity girls basketball team, has been ‘coached’ her whole life; on and off of the basketball court.

“I’m the youngest of five sisters that played basketball through high school,” Anderson said. “My dad coached all five of us.”

Anderson has grown up around coaches her whole life, and is familiar with the idea of a ‘Coach’s Perspective.’ Anderson works towards re-enforcing her energy into her playing.

“After a bad game, they [Anderson’s family] always want to tell me what I did wrong. They know basketball and are used to telling me what to do,” Anderson said. “They tell me how to get better; they give me a lot of advice.”

Constantly being coached has shown Anderson a different way to approach life and its obstacles. She has been given advice and experience from a young age. Girls varsity basketball head coach Steve Clark has also recognized this in Anderson.

“Callie is the type of player that plays with her heart,” Clark said. “Callie responds to positive feedback, speaks positively and knows that her teammates, family and coaches truly care about her; not just as a basketball player.”

Clark stresses the importance of developing life-long positive relationships with teammates and coaches. Anderson embraces this vision that has been presented to her by not only Clark, but also her coaches at home.

Anderson’s oldest sister, Kelsey Anderson, coaches the 5th grade feeder team, and another one of her siblings, Alexa Anderson, coaches the reserve girls team at Westside. Anderson hopes she can someday follow in their footsteps.

“It would be really cool to still be involved in the sport I love after high school,” Anderson said. “I’ve been around it my whole life; I would be able to share all of the wisdom I have learned from my parents with others.”