Lonel Springs
Lonel, who is your hero?
My mother has been my motivation when it has come to anything I have ever done in my life. She inspired me to keep going in basketball, to work harder, pushes me past my breaking point, and is always my number one supporter.
How has being a basketball player changed your life?
Ever since I held a basketball in my hands I knew it was what I wanted to do in my life. Basketball had taught me patience, teamwork, and that there is always room for improvement. It is my everything and it has helped me get through so many things in life.
What advice can you share with kids about being a great basketball player and being a great human being?
Stay true to yourself, hard work pays off, and never let anyone tell you that you cant. Surround yourself with good people that encourage you to become the best version of yourself you can be.
What do you do to ensure your mental health is as strong as your physical health?
Talking and hangin out with my friends. Play video games and basketball. Even listening to music to help drown out the life outside of me.
Who in your life would you like to shout out that has given you encouragement?
Coach Ryan and Coach DJ who have always pushed me to be my best and improve my game and myself. Kaleyana Jones, for not only supporting be through my good moments. My mom and my dad for always supporting me and loving me and building me to the man I am today.
How old are you and what is the biggest lesson you have learned in your life?
I am 18 years old. The biggest lessons I have learned are: you can‘t go back to change the beginning but you can start where you are to change the ending. You will face many defeats in life but never let yourself be defeated. Life is full of happiness and tears, be strong and have faith.
What has been the biggest struggle in your life?
Getting comfortable with where I am. Things in life change so fast and sometimes I am not ready for them. So what I like to do is live each day like its my last and talk to people like I will never see them again, and live in the moments like I will never have them again. This is how you learn to appreciate life for what it gives you.
What do you wish adults would know about kids today?
We are young and hungry. We will go through life and make mistakes but those make us stronger in who we are as people. Let us fail. It’s okay, we will make the most out of it and become better for it.
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