To many, a sport is merely an extracurricular we participate in on the side. But to freshman Misaki O’Donell, it’s an identity. O’Donell has been playing basketball since she was five years old. She started off in the Tigers Youth Club and began playing with a club team in second grade.

As Arcadia High School’s (AHS) Girls Varsity Basketball point guard and shooting guard, O’Donell is always on defense. She works immensely hard to keep up with the demands of her sport. During club season, her practices last three hours per day. However, hard work isn’t always enough to keep an athlete at the top. Passion is required as well.

“I realized I love basketball when I was in fourth grade, when COVID-19 hit, and practices were cancelled,” O’Donell said.

Going from a full schedule of practices and games to nothing was a difficult change for O’Donell. From then on, she knew she wanted to continue playing basketball. It affected not only her mood, but her self-image as well.

In seventh grade, O’Donell broke multiple bones in her left ankle. Due to it being the second time the bones have been broken, her ankle was shot. Luckily, she recovered in time for her 8th grade season.

“When I realized that I literally couldn’t walk, I fell into a state where I just didn’t know what I was supposed to do anymore. [When] I’m not playing, I feel worthless,” O’Donell confessed. “That’s what playing a competitive sport does to you.”

When O’Donell plays well, she feels proud and confident. And she’s surely performing well as the top player on Arcadia Girls Varsity Basketball in terms of points per game.

As a serious competitive athlete, it’s no surprise that her schedule is full. O’Donell frequently practices her shooting skills at home and does running, physical therapy and weightlifting as part of her training as well. Putting in extra work can take an athlete a long way. O’Donell said her favorite event was getting to play at a country-wide Nike-sponsored tournament.

“It showed me hard work really does pay off,” She said. “I’ll likely play in Division III in college, or two years and then focus on my career.”

To this day, O’Donell continues to strive to be the best version of herself, both on and off the court. Dealing with burnout is a problem many athletes face. O’Donell expressed her gratitude for her team and friends, acting as her support system when she needs them. O’Donell has been on fire lately: ranking third in Pacific girls basketball in her freshman year. Not only is O’Donell a star player, she’s also the kind of teammate that you can rely on.

“Misaki encourages and supports her teammates and friends when they need her,” freshman Nikki Tran said.

Watching one of the Girl’s Varsity Basketball games will surely be exciting, especially if you keep your eye on how O’Donell plays.