Thisbe Lewis ‘26 never expected to be a varsity basketball captain her senior year. Lewis began playing basketball in just 8th grade, when she went out for the South East Junior High basketball team. She made the team, but she also made friendships that encouraged her to pursue the sport throughout high school.
“I made lots of friends through basketball, and I think it’s really fun. I enjoy being on a team full of women where we’re all supportive of each other,” Lewis said with a smile.
Lewis believes that being a part of a team is something that everyone should experience at some point, because her teammates help her with the struggles of being a female athlete.
“I think female athletes in general don’t have as much support, and I think that there’s an added layer of pressure to being a female athlete, and my teammates help me deal with that,” Lewis said.
Lewis ran track, and played volleyball her freshman year. The only sport she chose to continue playing throughout high school though, was basketball. Lewis did not envision herself loving the sport as much as she does today. Now, as she approaches her senior season she will be touching the Varsity floor for the first time.
“I’m definitely nervous, but I am also excited. I think that I have a good support system, and that’s what makes me feel a lot better going into it knowing that my teammates and the coaching staff are rooting for me,” Lewis said.
Though Lewis has not played many Varsity minutes in her career, the post has been a leader on the team for years.
“Thisbe has not played many varsity minutes, but I have been insanely impressed with her leadership and work ethic,” Head Coach Lynsey Barnard said.
Lewis feels that leadership comes naturally to her on the court, because of her constant communication.
“I’m very vocal. I’m very loud at practices and at games, and I think that I just try my best to see everyone’s viewpoints,” Lewis said.
Looking towards her senior season, Lewis believes she can positively contribute to the team because of her experiences in the program.
“I think I kind of have a different perspective on things, because I did play JV for so long, and I can resonate with all different players on the team,” Lewis said.
Lewis says she always tries to “make sure everyone feels included” no matter what level they play at.
When reflecting on her journey to the Varsity level, Lewis says she’d advise younger female athletes to “make sure you are having fun. Prioritize your own happiness, because at the end of the day, it’s a game, and you should be having fun doing it.”
Lewis strives to have fun whenever she touches the court, and plans to continue doing that her senior season.
“I just want to leave this season feeling like we did everything we could to make it the best season possible. I want to have fun and get along with each other. It’s a long season, and I want to make the best out of it,” Lewis said.
