VYPE: What goals do you have for this year?
Barbara: This year, our goals as a team are to continue to improve every aspect of our game, make it back to state, and set a standard for the rest of the program. For my personal goals, I’m going to make the most out of my senior year, appreciate every moment, and create a positive impact on those around me, both on and off the court.
VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
Barbara: Not every situation will be perfect, but you have to do the best you can with what you have and focus on the things that you can control, and there are always people around you that want to help you and watch you succeed.
VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade and why?
Barbara: I have been so lucky to have so many great teachers throughout my education, but Mrs. Phenicie, my freshman English teacher, will always stand out to me. She is caring towards everyone around her and constantly encourages me to be the best version of myself. She gave me a space to let myself be creative and she helped me figure out what I wanted my future to look like.
VYPE: Who inspires you and why?
Barbara: My parents are my biggest inspirations. They have worked so hard to get to
where they are now and to provide my brother and me with so many opportunities for success. Despite being hard workers, they also spend lots of time with their loved ones and doing things that make them happy. I hope to lead a life like theirs where I get to enjoy what I do and show the people around me how important they are to me.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Barbara: Raegan Vernon has left the biggest impression on me. She is so dedicated to the game and will do anything in her power to bring her team to victory. Not only does she love the sport, but she supports all of her teammates so strongly and makes us all feel capable and appreciated. I always push myself to give as much effort as she does and strive to impact my teammates the same way she has impacted me.
VYPE: What is your favorite part about being on a team?
Barbara: I love the atmosphere in the gym and the constant support I get from my
teammates. We all have different personalities and contribute different qualities to the program, but being on this team lets us bond with each other and create memories we might not have made otherwise. It’s an experience I wouldn’t get anywhere else.
VYPE: Who in your family is the best athlete? Explain.
Barbara: I would say my brother. He’s played sports since he could walk, and he never turns down an opportunity to play, whether it’s something he already plays or a new sport that he’s open to trying. We love testing our basketball knowledge and he always shows me highlights from games that I’ve missed.
VYPE: What’s one sport you wish you could play that you don’t already play?
Barbara: Definitely soccer. Being from Latin America, it feels like everyone in my family can play soccer and it is such a big part of our culture. I wish I could go with my brother and my cousins when they play, but for now I’ll just join them in watching our favorite teams on TV.
VYPE: What’s your go-to pregame song?
Barbara: …Ready For It? by Taylor Swift
