Rhude: Dunking on the Haters
Varsity Basketball player, Ana Rhude, high-fiving her teammates. Photo by Roberta Pratt.
An Interview with Ana Rhude
What are your future plans for the sport?
I am playing basketball at Northern Michigan next year.
How have you improved your game in the past year?
I have continued to work on shooting; especially shooting 3’s. I am trying to do my post moves without dribbling and keeping the ball high. I have improved in many ways as an all around player--I have started to shoot more and pride myself on not getting beat on defense.
Who’s your favorite pro athlete in your sport?
I don’t watch a lot of men or women's basketball, so my favorite is probably Giannis Antetokounmpo.
How’s the season going so far? What are the team’s greatest strengths?
We are 3-1 right now and lost a close game to Appleton West. Our team strength is playing inside out once we get the ball into the post, and they kick it back out to allow the shooters to be open. Another strength we have is speed--our speed allows us to press, putting more pressure on the opponents’ guards.
What hobbies do you do outside of school?
I have a job babysitting, and I love hanging out with my friends, skiing, spending time with my family and going to my brother’s sports games.
When did you start playing this sport?
I started when I was in first grade, so 7 years old.
Favorite 5 things (not sport related)
My family, my friends, my dogs, team dinners, and sleeping in.
What's your warm-up routine?
Before every game, I eat a meal an hour before I leave. I then go to the gym and listen to music while eating an apple and Belvita bar during the JV game.
Is this the first sport you played, and was this your first choice? Describe your journey to finding this sport.
I also danced and played soccer when I was younger along with basketball--I started playing basketball because my mom played. My mom played at Arrowhead and was inducted into the hall of fame. She then went to play in college at UCLA.
Why do you continue to play this sport?
I continue to play because I love it. It is my favorite thing to do in my freetime. I put so much time into basketball, so I want it to make an impact on my high school and college team. I also want to make my mom proud.
What would be your ultimate achievement for this sport, ever?
My ultimate achievement in high school for basketball would making the all-state list.
What’s your favorite memory from your time playing Hamilton basketball?
My favorite moment was getting to the sectional semi finals last year and playing Arrowhead, the team my mom played for.
What’s your funniest memory from Hamilton basketball?
I can’t remember anything specific, but there is something funny at every practice and game. Alli, Hannah, Taylor and I are constantly laughing and it’s all the random forgettable laughs that are the best part.
What advice do you have for younger athletes playing your sport?
My advice would be to continue to do it if you’re having fun. No one should be forced to be playing basketball if they do not want to, and don’t forget that as you get older, basketball is supposed to be fun and not stressful. It goes by fast; take every chance you can.
