March 19, 2010

Current School:  Holy Angels, 8th Grade

High School Next Year:  St. Elizabeth

Other Sports:  Volleyball, Track

Other Interests:  Girl Scouts, Church Choir, Chillin'

 

Sabrina Hackendorn was named CYM Player of the Year via a poll of the C Division coaches (head & assistant coaches) conducted by DGB.com.  With no disrespect to the other wonderful players who were under consideration and who received coaches’ votes, this website’s administrators believe wholeheartedly that the right choice was made.

 

The first time I saw her play was in May or June as she was graduating 6^th grade.  She won an iPOW then during an AAU tournament in West Chester.  Always a prolific scorer, it is her work in rebounding that lifts a basic basketball skill into an art form.  At that first encounter, Sabrina was exceptionally tall for her age group.  Since then, a lot of her peers have caught up to her in height.  But still, the dominance on the boards remains as strong as ever. 

 

In the CYM Championship Game this year, Sabrina led all scorers with 15 points and did what no other player had managed up to that date:  She won a second iPOW Award.

 

Over the years, we have presented Sabrina’s numbers, accolades and achievements.  But, we have not really shown you Sabrina, the person.  Until now.  Sabrina Hackendorn is the third player to have been named CYM Player of the Year by this humble website.  With the previous two winners, Meghan Carter and Jenna Wolff, we tried to bring to you something of the background character and personality of these exemplary student-athletes.  Continuing that tradition this year, we interviewed Sabrina for this article.  What follows is that interview, unedited.

 

Describe your feelings on being named CYM Player of the Year.

Well, I'm extremely honored.  It was just the perfect ending to my CYM career.  What makes it even better, though, is that the coaches in CYM have enough respect for me and my game to choose me.  That was probably the greatest honor in my book.  There are so many fantastic players in this league, and I've had the privilege to play with or against them.  I honestly can't believe it.

You've had a lot of good things happen to you in basketball -- at the AAU level as well as school ball.   Tell me about one or two of your most favorite memories.

Well, one of my favorite memories has to be going to Fort Myers, Florida, AAU Nationals.  Our team is really like a family, I had so much fun with all of them.  Not to mention coming in 7th place was amazing, considering it was our first year as an organization.  My next favorite memory is definitely winning the CYM championship last year.  This year was amazing too, but last year really proved something, I believe.  I mean, in our first year in the St. E's League, I remember my dad telling me how no one thought that we would ever be a contender in CYM, and how that was going to be the last time anyone thought that.  Winning last year really did show how far we've come and how far we have to go.

The last two winter seasons, your Holy Angels team ran the table and pretty much dominated the CYM C Division.  Now, you're making the transition to high school ball at St. E's.  What are your hopes and expectations as you become part of the Viking program?

Well, I think that we'll do very well.  The Lady Vikings always have a great team, and I'm very excited that I get to be a part of it.  There's going to be a lot of good talent coming in the next few years, so it'll be a challenge, but I think we can make it very far.  Tom Ferrier and Dan Cooney are awesome coaches and I'm very much looking forward to playing for them.  I already know some of the girls on the team as well and hope that not only we go far as a team, but as a family, like at Holy Angels.

Allowing yourself one more look to the past, can you tell me about some of the people who really helped you become the player you are?

Well, there are a lot of people who've helped me through the years to become a better player.  A couple are Coach Mark and Coach Dale, who have been the best coaches anybody could ask for, harsh and drilling, but fair and supportive.  The most important influence with helping me play, is my dad.  He really did anything and everything to make sure I always played to my potential, and made sure I always had fun.  He'd take me out to the patio and work with me on everything I should do better.  He never pushed me too hard though, and always had my best interest at mind.  He taught me how to be a sportsmanlike player as well. 

Tell me about your life away from sports.   I'm sure that school and sports take up almost all of your time, but if you have any free time left over, how do you spend it?

Yeah, sports and school do take up a big chunk of my time.  When I do have some time left over, though, I usually just try to chill.  I'll hang out with friends or just relax at home. 

What areas of study do you want to pursue?  What do you want to be or do for a living?

Well, since sports are such a big part of my life, I would like to have that incorporated somehow in my career.  I'd like to be a physical therapist, maybe, or a trainer.  I want to be certified in sports medicine.  I know what it's like to not play because of injuries and I want to be able to help other people get back out and play. 

Okay, Sabrina!  I think that's about it.  Thanks so much for spending some time with us today, and good luck to you at St. E’s!