Profile of TWHS girls basketball player, Luisa De La Rosa

I was covering a Lady Highlander basketball game the other night and was introduced to Luisa De La Rosa. In no more than one minute, I found this sophomore forward to be very special for a few reasons.

First of all, she came to the United States by way of Mexico fairly recently and was only introduced to the game three years ago. Being one of the best players on the floor already makes a pretty good impression but that's not what draws people to Luisa. What you'll find when you meet Luisa is an engaging, welcoming demeanor ready to look you right in the eye with interest in whatever topic comes up. In a society that can sometimes seem like it has been kidnapped by social media and cell phones, the art of face to face communication has gone by the wayside. So, being fortunate enough to meet Luisa is a breath of fresh air.

However, like Ginsu there's even more. In the short time that she has been here, she has had to not only master our language but become acclimated to our society enough to fit in.

So, has Luisa fit in? You decide after reading Luisa's Woodlands Online profile...

How did you become interested in basketball?

Well, In 7th grade in Mexico I was going to sign up for soccer but it was full. I wanted to do a sport so it was either basketball or volleyball and I ended up signing up basketball.

Do you have college aspirations?

Yes, I hope to go to a college that is big on Architecture and Culinary Arts.

Would you like to play basketball in college?

Yes, I hope to.

What do you hope to be doing after you graduate from college?

Hopefully, a job that I would enjoy in the field of my choice that pays well.

Do you like TWHS?

No. I love it.

Describe the basketball team and why you enjoy playing for the Lady Highlanders?

We are an interesting group of girls that love to play basketball together.

What do you enjoy doing away from school and basketball?

Being with friends.

Who is your role model for basketball?

Michael Jordan

Describe how supportive your family is in everything you do with your life.

They're everything to me, especially my parents for being there for me.

Lady Highlander Coach, Dana Bruton had the following to say about Luisa... "Luisa is the kind of athlete coaches love to work with. She always has a smile on her face and she is always working hard no matter what the situation, game or practice, it doesn't matter. All the coaches at The Woodlands think she is an amazing individual. She is so new to the sport and has come so far in just the last two years. She is an incredible rebounder and defender...so physical and tenacious. She always finds a way to get to the ball whether it is off of a shot or scrambling on the floor. We know she will do whatever we ask her to...and with absolute total effort. We can't wait to how she improves and the contributions she will continue to make to our program. She has been a true diamond in the rough."

Maybe it should be mandatory for all of us to go to a foreign land at age 13 to start from scratch....but then come back after a few years with the same mentality as Luisa. It's worth a shot.