TJ senior demonstrates excellence on and off the court.
by Robert Lampert
photo by Kevin Fleming
Sabrina Harris is more than just a student at Thomas Jefferson High School; she is a hard working senior who exemplifies what it means to be a Spartan student athlete.
For most people who know Sabrina, they understand the importance of basketball in her life. But for those who don’t, Sabrina’s love for basketball took flight right here at TJ. A student of the sport for five years now, Sabrina was a prospect for Coach Steve Thomas and his Lady Spartans from day one. “Basketball’s a game I fell in love with from the beginning,” said Harris. Starting Varsity her sophomore year, Sabrina recalls the promotion as her finest accomplishment on the court thus far. “Being on varsity as an underclassman was the motivation I needed to do well and push myself to be better,” she said.
After finishing last year with a losing record, Coach Thomas hoped that the failure to compete wouldn’t resonate with the girls too long, especially with his now returning senior captain, Harris. “Sabrina really showed her true colors proving she was ready to step up and be a leader to this team,” Thomas said.
Harris is one of two seniors on the squad (Andrea Qualls the other) ready to show the DPL that the Lady Spartans are a force to be reckoned with. When asked about being both Sabrina’s teammate and friend, Qualls stated, “It’s a really cool friendship. I like to think that it contributes and helps to the way we play.”
This new season brings fresh players along with a new hope for the postseason. The Lady Spartans have been equipped with a hefty amount of underclassmen as Coach Thomas heads into battle with his least amount of seniors providing leadership ever. “In my years of coaching, I can’t remember having such a tiny amount of veteran leadership on the team, but I have to look forward to the quickness and determination of the girls this year. Having girls such Sabrina gives me the peace of mind knowing there’s someone who knows how to run the offense on the court at all times,” stated Thomas.
Being a leader on the team is not something new to Sabrina, as she is also a leader in the classroom. Sabrina’s basketball career is only one of many reasons driving her to achieve the best grades possible. Maintaining eligibility has never been a problem for Harris as she continues to illustrate the importance of intertwining education with her basketball career. During 7th and 8th period, Sabrina can be found in the Future Center here at Thomas Jefferson, as she is dedicated to putting herself in a position to get into a great college. As for playing basketball in college, Harris would love the opportunity and is accepting of the challenge. Sabrina says motivating factors that drive her to do well come from external sources. Factors such as, “…God, my friends and family, my team and Coach Thomas,” all motivate Harris to achieve her goals for both now and in the future.
Sabrina’s passions extend far beyond the basketball court, as she partakes in numerous other activities outside of school. Born and raised in Denver, Harris loves to give back to the community that has given her so much. Through the Ancient Pasture Church, she spends much time volunteering through various activities, such as raising money and distributing food to the homeless. Harris also puts effort into making room for a job in her busy schedule. Looking for a late night flick? You can catch Sabrina down at the Dollar Theater in the Tiffany Plaza Shopping Center where she partakes in numerous activities to ensure an enjoyable cinematic experience.
Besides working and giving back to the community, Sabrina makes sure to find time to just hang out with her friends and be a kid. Sabrina’s close friend, Qualls expressed her feeling about Harris saying, “She’s really chill. She is the kind of girl who you can talk to about anything. She’s a great friend and a great ally on the court.” When examining Sabrina’s hectic schedule, her friends are more than amazed at how a senior in high school can balance a job, do volunteer work, hang out with her friends, and be the star player for the Lady Spartans Hoop Squad.
Sabrina is truly an inspiration to anyone attempting to juggle a job and volunteering while being a student and an athlete.
