Senior point guard Mia Urosevich has had a huge impact on Westside girls basketball. Urosevich has been a part of the team since she was a freshman. Last season Urosevich ended with a record of 27 GP but is hoping to break her own record during her last season. Urosevich talks about how she has been preparing for this season.
“ I have been preparing by getting excited and having a positive mindset because it is a long season and I am focusing on being a good teammate and always showing up for all my teammates,” Urosevich said.
Head coach Steven Clark has watched Urosevich since the very beginning, he’s seen her at her lows and been there to celebrate her highs. Coach Clark talks about how hard Urosevich has been working to contribute to the team.
“ Mia is an incredibly hard worker in everything she does. Her commitment level looks different than most because she is involved in so many activities and gives her all to everything she does. Mia contributes on the court with her energy, her work ethic, and her athleticism. Off the court she is an excellent student, high character kid, and a great teammate,” Clark said.
Senior Lucy Pocras has grown alongside Urosevich and watched her strive to be the best player she can be. Pocras has watched Urosevich learn lots of lessons but also has learned lessons from Urosevich, she talks about what she has learned from Urosevich.
“ Mia is a great example of a player that works super hard on the court and has a great attitude while doing it. She is always hustling to every loose ball and I have taken note of that and used that to push me to do the same,” Pocras said.
Urosevich has been learning new skills since her first time on the court. She has learned a lot of skills that she can take with her on and off the court. She talks about some of the lessons she has learned.
“I have learned how important it is to have a good teammate culture. Westside Girls Basketball prioritizes this and it makes it a lot more fun and we are all one Family,” Urosevich said.
Coach Clark has had a lot of memories with Urosevich and has been alongside her for a long time. He shares his favorite moments with Urosevich.
“My favorite Mia moments are simply a culmination of the time spent being around her and her family. The days we recap Westside soccer games and stories from her club games are always memorable. The daily hustle she brings to practices and games, along with her always being a great teammate. When we think of Mia it’s usually about her throwing herself around the court at 100 mph going for an offensive rebound or a loose ball,” Clark said.
Pocras has had lots of moments on the court with Urosevich, whether it was a win or loss Urosevich always knew how to cheer up the team. Pocras talks about what she is going to miss the most about no longer sharing the court with Urosevich.
“ I am going to miss the positive energy she always brings whether that is on the court or off the court. Me and Mia have played sports together our entire lives. So having this be the last time we ever get to play basketball together is sad. Throughout all the years I have played with her though, she has always been a great teammate and friend,” Pocras said.
Urosevich is a part of a lot of other activities other than basketball, some of them being soccer, unified, red shield and deca. On top of all of these activities she is still a great student. Coach Clark talks about how he sees Urosevich maintaining all these activities.
“ Playing D1 soccer in college is a full time activity along with her classes. She will manage great and probably find a way to get involved in a few other activities as well,” Clark said.
Urosevich talks about how she has time for all these activities while also maintaining good grades in school.
“I make sure to manage my time and prioritize the things that are important to me. I want to always give 100% into everything I do so I make sure I am very productive when I need to get things done,” Urosevich said.
Urosevich will not be continuing her basketball career in college but will continue her soccer career at University of Missouri- Kansas City. She talks about what the girls on the team have taught her about being a part of a team and how she will take that with her to the next level.
“Girls on the team have taught me how important it is to communicate honestly and support each other. It showed me that one of the most important things for success is being on the same page,” Urosevich said.
Since their freshman year Pocras has watched Urosevich try her best to contribute to the team. Pocras has looked up to Urosevich and taught Urosevich a lot also. Pocras talks about what Urosevich has truly contributed to Westside basketball.
“Mia is a great player all around. She is a great ball handler and can stay composed in the heat of the game. Along with this she can also shoot the ball and play some serious defense,” Pocras said.
Urosevich shares her favorite memories being on the team and what she is the most excited for during the upcoming season.
“My favorite memory was when we went to Arizona for basketball sophomore year and I am so excited to do it again this year!,” Urosevich said, “I am most excited to just have fun and enjoy playing for one last season”
You can see Urosevich in action Tuesday Dec. 23. against Millard West.
