Elias Samady
Elias, who is your hero?
My parents are my hero, as they support me and push me to be the best at anything I do. Although they want me to do well, they still support me even if I am not doing well in something. They work hard, they are really nice to everyone, and they teach me how to be a great person.
How has being a basketball player changed your life?
Basketball has influenced my life tremendously as I spend most of my time practicing, working out, and learning from my coaches and teammates. It is also nice because it limits the distraction in my life. It has taught me how to work hard in all aspects of life and face adversity.
What advice can you share with kids about being a great basketball player and being a great human being?
No matter what happens in your basketball life, the most important thing is your morals, being a great brother, son, and friend, or any other duties you have as a person. Also, it is really important to respect your coaches because each one of them will teach you something different.
What do you do to ensure your mental health is as strong as your physical health?
By balancing school and basketball which are considered work, and making time to be social and doing things that you enjoy so that you can relieve the pressure you feel.
What does self love mean to you?
Self love means to do activities that make you happy as a person.
Who in your life brings you love and encouragement?
My parents bring encouragement into my life no matter what I am doing. I would like to thank Charlie Mercado for developing me when I was younger. I am motivated to play better because of him and he made me a stronger player. Marcus Littlejohn, he gave me my passion for the game. Frank Childress got me stronger, and Tito Mays has helped me become a better high school player. I cant wait to learn from Coach Brandon at Sage Creek High School, becauses he really believes in his players.
How old are you and what is the biggest lesson you have learned in your life?
I am 15. The biggest lesson I have learned this far is to compete to be the best version of yourself. Comparison kills dreams.
How do you overcome challenges?
I figure out my weaknesses and work on them over and over until they get better.
What do you wish adults knew about kids today?
How little free time we have in our lives since we are always doing something.
What gets you up in the morning?
My enjoyment for the sport of basketball and feeling of success after working for something your whole life.
What are your biggest dreams?
My biggest dream is to go as far as I can in my basketball career. Another is to focus on school until I can get a job that I love and getting paid.
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