By: Hunter Ferguson

Hooker athlete Izabella Neville told VYPE about her life in and interview.

VYPE: What are your personal goals for the year?

My personal goals this year are to all-state in cross country and win a state championship with my team, maintain all A’s in school and achieve superintendents honor roll, lead my basketball team to a successful season, all-state in track and hopefully win another state title with my team, continue to grow in my relationship with my savior Jesus Christ and hopefully lead others to a relationship with him.

VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade, and why?

My favorite teacher who has left the biggest impact on me would probably have to be Mrs. Harrison. She was my english teacher my sophomore year and pushed me to be a better student and person every single day I was in her class. She took the time to make sure every student was not only receiving what she taught but actually taking it in and learning it. She greatly influenced my perception on reaching my goals in life. She taught me that if you really want something and are willing to work hard for it, you have the ability to achieve it.

VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?

My favorite athletic memory was winning the quarter final basketball game at the state tournament in the big house my freshman year. We came out and they got the lead on us, but we fought back hard and did the little things to give ourselves an advantage against our much bigger sized opponent, Latta. The environment of the game was loud and intense and one that you look forward to playing in all season. After we won, I was announced player of the game with 13 points.

VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?

A teammate who left the biggest impression on me was Hollie Stalder. She was a senior when I was a freshman and was an amazing leader and team player. We were able to run together in both track and cross country and played basketball together. As a freshman she really showed me the ropes and was an example that I greatly looked up to. Some of the things I learned from her have shaped me into the person and player that I am today. She made her relationship with God a big priority in her life and had a strong work ethic. She had a lot of the habits that I also wanted to strive to obtain.

VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on this team?

My favorite part of being apart of the teams at Hooker are the relationships we have with each other. Most girls teams have a hard time getting along, but we have had no issues with that. We bond together really well and want to see each other succeed. Another thing about the teams in Hooker is that they are also strictly focused on getting the work done. We all want to win and have the mindset that we are going to work as hard as we can to get there. As a three sport athlete it is a blessing to be apart of so many programs who want to see us succeed not only in that sport, but in every sport we are involved in at Hooker.

VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation. Where do you go, and who do you take with you?

If I could pick any place for a summer vacation I would probably pick Hawaii. I would take my closest friends Devry, Allie, Loryn, Mollie, and Sayde, and my family.

VYPE: If we gave you $500 and you had to spend it in the next 24 hours, what would you spend it on?

If I received $500 dollars that had to be spent in 24 hours, I would first make sure the needs of my family members were met. Then, I would use some of it to donate to children who do not have the money to receive any Christmas presents, to a homeless shelter, or to a local church. With the left over money I would probably use it to buy a pair of Air Jordans.

VYPE: Do you participate in any community service projects?

I participated in community service projects with FCA to clean and prepare our little league for its season this summer and also to buy and donate Christmas presents to kids who wouldn’t be able to receive any this year. I also worked with student council to put on a program and breakfast for our local veterans on Veterans Day.

VYPE: What Clubs or Campus groups are you involved with and why?

I am the vice president of our FCA chapter (fellowship of Christian athletes). I love being apart of this group. We are able to come together as athletes and Christians and learn more about God. It is also a good foundation to lean on when trying to tell others about Christ. We have fellowship, bible studies, and eat breakfast together once every month.

VYPE: Are you involved in academic excellence activities such as the National Honor Society, Student Council, or other academic clubs?

I am involved in both National Honors Society and Student Council.