High school athletes do more than just compete in their sports, they also represent the school and community that they play for. For Laney Harris, wearing the Minco Bulldog uniform is a family tradition and something she is proud to do.
“As a fourth generation Bulldog, I’m honored to represent the Minco Lady Bulldogs,” she said. “I hope people remember me as someone who gave their best effort on and off the floor, but was still always willing to have a good laugh.”
Harris is in her senior year at Minco. She plays basketball, is a trainer for the football team, and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the National Honor Society, and the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America.
There have been a number of people that have had an influence on Laney’s life and helped her get to where she is today.
“My mom and dad have had a big impact on my life,” she said. “They have encouraged me and supported me in everything I’ve done. They’ve been there through the hard losses and exciting wins. I know they’ll always be there for me. A teacher and coach that had the biggest influence on me was Brady Wardlaw. He is a great math teacher. His classes are tough, but he keeps them fun. As a coach, he always had faith in me and pushed me to be the athlete he knew I was capable of being.”
Being a student-athlete can be tough at times. You want to improve your skills but you also have to succeed in the classroom to be able to compete. Harris says that her final year of high school has also added a little more to the mix.
“My senior year has been a balancing act of managing my time to fit in practices, games, college assignments and exams, activities with friends and family, as well finding time to rest,” she said. “It has taken dedication and lots of trial and error to learn how to make a plan and follow through.”
Over the years, Harris has been given different pieces of advice. But she says that there is one that she always holds to.
“Let go and let God,” she said. “This is a quote my mom says when I get overwhelmed with circumstances out of my control. It helps me to know that I don’t have to face those overwhelming moments alone.”
