By: Blythe Lenon

Consistency is key to becoming a great athlete in any sport. Showing up for practice every day and giving it your best is a skill that Woodward High School Senior basketball player Michelle Ibarra lives and breathes by. Ibarra is one of the post players for the basketball team, but her athletic skills don’t stop there. She is also involved in soccer and track for WHS.

When asked what motivates her, Ibarra simply responded, “my sister.” When asked why, Ibarra said “she has always challenged me to work hard and is the one who encouraged me to step onto a basketball court.I’ve fallen in love with the sport since then!” Great athletes don’t get where they are without role models who came before them. For Ibarra, she said her sister is her biggest influence. “My sister was sick for 2 years and couldn’t play basketball, so I wanted to play for her. She is the one who pushed me to keep going,” Ibarra said. At school, Ibarra said Strength and Conditioning Coach Arbie “has been like a brother to me, always motivating me to be a better player and a better person” On social media, LSU player Aneesah Morrow is her favorite person to follow because “I like watching her play and know I can be in her shoes someday!” Ibarra said.

To be successful in her endeavors, Ibarra said “showing up, watching film and being consistent” are how she’s done it. Ibarra has had many moments in her basketball career that have been special, but one moment really stands out. “I was on JV and we were playing Clinton High. There was 5 seconds left on the clock and someone passed me the ball. I shot a 3-pointer and got fouled. I made 2 free throws and we won.It was the best feeling ever!” Ibarra exclaimed.

Ibarra is honored to represent Woodward and is thankful for her coaches and teammates she’s had over the years. “Basketball takes a lot of discipline, focus and motivation. I’m the player I am today because of those around me.”