By Ivy Knapp
Grove High School junior Zoee Robertson has been playing basketball since childhood. She first picked up a ball in first grade, inspired by her older brother, who had already been playing for a few years.
“He encouraged me to start,” Zoee said. “Watching him made me want to give it a try, and I’ve loved it ever since.”
Now, Zoee plays forward and guard for the Lady Ridgerunners, where she brings energy and intensity on the basketball court.
“I enjoy playing aggressive defense on the perimeter,” she said.
Before a game, Zoee has her own routine to get in the right game mindset.
“I listen to music, pray, stretch, and chew bubble gum to stay loose,” she said.
One of her favorite memories so far came during a close matchup when she hit a step-back three-pointer to tie the game. That moment still sticks out when she thinks about it.
Basketball has always been a big part of Zoee’s family. Her dad coached her until sixth grade, and she says he’s been one of the biggest influences in her life.
“He taught me so many life lessons, not just about basketball but about working hard and staying humble,” she said.
Balancing school, practices, and games can be tough, but Zoee has found a routine that works.
“I do most of my homework in class or during lunch, so I don’t have to worry about it later,” she said.
What some people may not realize is how much extra time athletes put in outside of team practice.
“I spend a lot of time working out, lifting, and focusing on my nutrition so I can be my best.”
When it comes to handling intense situations, Zoee says she tries to stay focused and trust herself. Her goals for this season are pretty straight forward, she just wants to win.
“We all uplift each other,” she said about her teammates. “We talk positively and keep each other going.”
The best advice she’s ever gotten from a coach is something she always keeps in mind, “Always make the right play, not the selfish one.”
Outside of basketball, Zoee enjoys going to church, hanging out with friends, and cheering on other GHS teams. Looking ahead, she’d love to play in college and plans to become a nurse.
