Eighth grader Carlee Cradic has it all. She’s a star student and athlete who plays basketball for Sevier Middle.

Cradic loves basketball because of how it teaches players to cooperate.

“I love the team aspect of basketball,” she said. “In order to succeed, you must work as a team.”.

Cradic takes her work with the basketball team seriously and celebrates each success.

“I would say my greatest moment is beating Robinson in the Tribe Classic,” she said. “RNR is our rival school and we played well as a team against them.”.

Not every moment on the court, however, can be a success.

“My worst moment as an athlete was when I felt I let my entire team down by letting my emotions get to me on the court,” she said. she answered.

Some athletes do diets or avoid certain foods. Cradic is not that picky, but she does try to eat healthy.

“I do not avoid any particular foods,” she said. “I try to eat vegetables and drink water. It’s all about balance, though.”

Cradic’s family plays a special role in her athletic career.

“Both of my parents are my biggest fans,” she said. “They are equally supportive of me and are always there for me. I know I can always count on them.”

Part of becoming a world class athlete is a willingness to overcome weaknesses. Cradic works hard to do just that.

“I would say the most difficult thing for me is having confidence in a game to do the skills I work on in practice,” she said. “The most satisfying thing is when you get the results in a game that you work for in practice.”

Cradic also strives to have a good relationship with her coaches.

“Coach Baker is a very encouraging coach,” she said. “Not only does he push me to be my best on the court, he wants me to be the best off the court too.”

The atmosphere among her teammates is also positive.

“We all have so much fun with each other,” Cradic said. “We enjoy being around one another. We are all super goofy, but we know when it’s time to be serious. We play well together.”

Athletes need to balance their education with practice. If an athlete has bad grades, they won’t be able to play. Most athletes try to be model students and Cradic is no exception.

“Procrastinating is your enemy,” she said. “You have to be responsible and use your time wisely.”

Being a good athlete and student can be stressful for some students. Each athlete develops their own set of rules for themselves.

“Being coachable, having a good attitude, and a hard work ethic [make a good athlete],” Cradic said. “These things make you and the people around you better.”

Cradic also had advice for her fellow athletes.

“If you want something to happen, make it happen,” she said. “Set goals and work to accomplish them.”

Sports aren’t always for fun. There are scholarships and a variety of opportunities athletes can achieve.

“I would love to go as far as college with my athletics,” she said. “I think it would be a great experience.”

No matter how far she eventually takes her passion for basketball, her time at Sevier will always hold a special place in her heart.

“Middle school basketball has taught me many lessons and will not be forgotten,” she said.