By Ale Ibarra Posted June 6, 2019
There are many athletes who are introduced to sports at a very early age in life, which causes them to stay focused on one or all of them into their later years. Each year, a senior student-athlete is chosen. Someone who has exemplified all of the necessary qualities that make them a worthy choice. This year, it is Sydney Connors.
Connors has played sports like soccer, basketball, and softball “ever since she could walk.”
“I just enjoyed each of those sports, and that is what made me want to continue,” said Connors.
Sydney’s varsity basketball coach and longtime family friend, Ms. Chelsea Cabatbat, has known her long enough to know what kind of athlete she has become.
“I have known Sydney for a very long time. I can remember her as a little girl, always running around playing every sport. I can remember watching her toss a football around and thinking to myself, ‘wow, she got a great arm’,” said Cabatbat.
According to Cabatbat, Connors has a “very high sports IQ and is very talented in every sport she does.”
“She has excelled in basketball and softball over the last four years. Oh, and we can’t forget about all those great passes she has thrown in the powder puff games throughout the last four years,” said Cabatbat. “I have witnessed Sydney make amazing passes to her teammates because she sees the floor so well. She understands game situations, and she can create opportunities for herself and her teammates in critical situations.”
Cabatbat has good memories from her time coaching this Student-Athlete of the Year.
“I will never forget all the times when we were inbounding the ball under our basket, and the defense had their back turned,” said Cabatbat. “She would bounce that ball right off the back of the defender, step inbounds, and hit a big shot. It would make the other coaches so upset. She is just a very smart athlete.”
Connors has good memories of her time at the high school and admits that her motivation came from her closest family member.
“I think going to state for basketball and softball [was the best memory] actually,” said Connors. “I will miss playing with my friends because we created so many good memories that will last forever. I know that they will always be there for me when I’m gone, and I’ll always be there for them. [I will also never forget that] my brother [Calvin], because he pushed me to be better every time I played that sport.”
Connors’ parents have been there to guide her throughout every bump in the road and encourage her to embrace the silver linings.
“They have supported me throughout my career and have always been there for me,” said Connors. “They have always told me to think about the next play. If I strike out or miss a shot, forget about it and worry about what is going to happen next.”
Cabatbat has seen Sydney flourish into a well-rounded athlete and could not be prouder of her.
“Sydney has been so fun to watch over the last few years,” said Cabatbat. “I will never forget all the three-point shots she made, how excited the crowd would get, and all the home runs she has sent sailing over the fence. Sydney always made the big plays in whatever sports she played.”
Connors will miss her time here at high school and will continue her endeavors at the University of Nevada, Reno.
“I will miss all of [my classes], but I will miss Espy the most. I also plan on attending UNR, and I’m not sure what I’m going to study yet,” said Connors.