Absher: First Colonial's Young Leader
16 year-old sophomore Addie Absher has proven herself one of the Lady Patriots' biggest assets this season. Despite her relative youth and that of the team in general (there are ten sophomores on the varsity squad), Absher proved in the 2006-07 season that she is one of the team's leaders and has an ability to seize control of a game when she takes the court.
It is, perhaps, her unmatched drive that allows her to influence the flow of situations despite opponents that are often two years her senior. Sometimes athletes manage to master the techniques of the game but do not have the initiative to exhibit a commanding presence on the court. Conversely, a player with a lot of heart sometimes does not match up to some of the most talented of their sport. Fortunately for First Colonial, Absher has both skill and spirit. "I like basketball because it is quick, competitive and aggressive," she says.
Absher became involved in basketball when she was ten years old. "My mom dragged me out to an AAU tryout. It was the first time I had ever picked up a basketball, but I ended up making the B team. I was stuck with it after that."
Throughout this season, Absher has been focusing on improving each area of her game. This is reflected on the court; Absher may be found in virtually any position. "I've always thought of myself as a defensive player, so my goal recently has been to create the offensive game," she says. "I need to focus on the basics - better dribbling and passing, for instance."
Absher's training regimen reflects this desire to improve her athletic ability. In addition to practicing with the Patriots six days a week, Absher finds herself at the local recreation center or shooting hoops in her driveway. And outside of the varsity season, Absher stays involved too. With the exception of last summer, she has been playing AAU basketball since she was ten years old. She also plays field hockey for the Patriots and swung her way to the first All-Beach District and second All-Eastern Region teams in that sport last season.
Absher is optimistic about the prospects for the Patriots' upcoming seasons. Absher, and many outside observers, see great promise in the seasons to come. "We're all really good friends, and that adds a lot on the court, but we are definitely young and have to work on some things, such as talking during games."
While she still has two more basketball seasons before she graduates, Absher has decided that she would like to attend the University of North Carolina. In addition to athletics, Absher is an active part of extracurricular activities around First Colonial. Enrolled in the Legal Studies Academy at her school, she is also in the Spanish Honor Society and is the vice president of the JOOI club, a community service organization. She hopes to study physical therapy with her eyes toward an eventual PhD in that field.
Although the future is still some ways off, Absher knows that she wants athletics to remain a part of her collegiate endeavors. "I would like to play basketball and field hockey at some level," she says. "These sports are such a big part of my life and I plan to continue participating in them after high school."
