LEAVITTSBURG, OH – Junior Mia Sloan has stepped into her role as an upperclassman for the Labrae High School girls’ basketball team with grace and determination. Despite a roster plagued by injuries, Sloan’s leadership as a point guard has become indispensable for the younger players on the team.

“I’ve always felt like I’ve been a big leader,” Sloan stated in a recent interview. Taking on the mantle of leadership, she’s helped guide a youthful team through a challenging season, building unity and fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Known for her defensive prowess, Mia credits her father for instilling in her a love for defense. “My dad started me on defense, and ever since then, I found a love for it,” she shared. Her competitive spirit has been a cornerstone for the Labrae girls’ basketball program, as she’s often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s key players.

This season, the Labrae team faced the adversity of losing key players Mariah and Ella to season-ending injuries. Sloan and her teammates have rallied around their sidelined friends, drawing inspiration from them to push forward. “We wish we could play with them still. I think that’s why we are so determined to win,” she said. Mia balances her role on the court with a rigorous academic schedule, including College Credit Plus (CCP) classes. Demonstrating exceptional time management skills, she ensures that her studies do not falter amid her athletic commitments. “I am not a procrastinator. After practice, I go home and do my homework. I take my study halls very seriously,” she revealed.

Reflecting on her future, Sloan aims to pursue a career in early education, inspired by her third-grade English teacher, Coach Rowe, who also happens to be her basketball coach. “She’s a very hype coach,” Sloan explained, applauding Rowe’s ability to motivate and connect with her players. In addition to basketball, Sloan is a dedicated golfer, having played since the sixth grade and competing for the school team since her freshman year. She appreciates the unique blend of individual performance and team effort in golf, a mentality she carries onto the basketball court. As the season progresses, Sloan remains focused on her goals, both athletic and academic. She aims to “raise the bar” in every aspect, motivated by her coaches and the unwavering support of her family. Mia Sloan’s journey is a testament to the power of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. With players like her, the future of Labrae girls’ basketball looks promising, indeed.

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