VYPE: What goals do you have for this year in basketball?
Saori Welch: To be a better version of myself than last season.
VYPE: What has basketball taught you that you use in your daily life?
SW: Basketball has taught me how to have a growth mindset and to stop dwelling so much on the past.
VYPE: What’s your favorite shoes to wear when playing basketball?
SW: LaMelo Ball or Kobe’s.
VYPE: Who inspires you and why?
SW: If you asked me in a basketball sense, I would say Kobe Bryant because of his work ethic and adversity. It reflects and it pushed others around him to better themselves, but if you asked me on a deeper level, I would say my mom because through thick and thin she’s always tried to help me be the best version of myself.
VYPE: What do you think is the biggest challenge in basketball?
SW: I think the biggest challenge in basketball is the mental aspect. It tests your IQ, your strength, and your decision making, especially when you’re tired.
VYPE: What do you think makes a great basketball player?
SW: The time management, leadership, and work ethic.
VYPE: Who in your family is the best athlete? Explain.
SW: I would say my grandma. Her team won state championships. My grandma passed her talent onto my mom and my mom passed hers down to me.
VYPE: What’s one sport you wish you could play that you don’t already play?
SW: Flag football.
VYPE: What’s your go-to pregame song?
SW: “Why I Love You So Much” by Monica.
