Sarah Allen is a freshman on the Dowagiac girls basketball team.

What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as an athlete?

SA: Making the varsity basketball team as a freshman.

What has been one of your biggest disappointments as an athlete?

SA: One of my biggest disappointments as an athlete is when I get a full count on a batter when pitching during softball and end up walking her.

Who is a “hero” in your life and why?

SA: My dad is my hero. He has been working with me and helping coach me since I was young. He always pushes me to do my best.

When are you the most nervous while you are competing?

SA: When the game is close and the final shot or final at-bat is up to me.

Describe an embarrassing athletic moment.

SA: My most embarrassing moment as an athlete was when I tripped over my own feet during a game.

How do you tend to workout/train when by yourself?

SA: I strength train and rock climb for workouts.

What other sport would you like to compete in if you were not playing yours?

SA: I play volleyball, basketball and softball. My hobby is rock climbing and I am certified in Michigan and Alaska. This would be the other sport I would compete in if I could.

Why are sports an important part of a high school experience?

SA: Sports are an important part of high school because it helps you stay focused on your grades, helps you gain leadership experience and motivates you to work as a team to meet the challenge in front of you.

How would you give away $50,000?

SA: If I could get $50,000 away, I would donate it to our community youth so that they could have the opportunity to participate in all the athletic and academic programs they may not have the resources for.

If you could be the head coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?

SA: If I could coach any professional team, it would be the Chicago Cubs because I have grown up watching them with my family.

If I did not play sports, I would…?

SA: I can’t imagine not playing sports. They are a huge part of my life.

What is the most challenging thing for you to do in your sport?

SA: The most challenge thing for me to do in my sport is not get down on myself. Everyone has a bad day once in a while.

If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?

SA: If I could change one thing in my sport, I guess it would be to increase the number of fouls we get in basketball.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?

SA: One of the best compliments I have received is that I have been told I am really good at basketball by some of my friends.

What was the scariest thing you have had to do? Are you glad you did it?

SA: One of the scariest things I had to do is start my first varsity basketball game as a freshman this week, and yes, I am very glad I was given the opportunity to do that.

What was the last thing you saw someone do that really impressed you?

SA: The last thing I saw someone do that really impressed my was when I watched someone climb up the rock wall with only two hands.

What is your favorite hobby? Why?

SA: My favorite hobby is rock wall climbing. It just gives me a feeling of great accomplishment when I reach my goal.

Choose one word to describe yourself:

SA: Determined.