If you play a sport, think of how many years you’ve played that sport. How about thirteen? Leighann Thilo has been playing basketball since she was just a little kindergartener. She started playing as soon as she could dribble and fell in love with the game immediately. Her parents have always been there supporting her, sacrificing their time every summer for basketball.
Mr. Whitmyer and former Greyhound basketball player Danielle Large have had the most influence on Leighann’s basketball career throughout her life. Danielle Large played here and was the reason Leighann decided to become a point guard.
Her freshmen year of high school Leighann started out playing JV basketball. Through hard work and dedication by the end of the year she was pulled up to Varsity to play in Districts. All of the girls Leighann’s played basketball with during her time here at Eaton Rapids High School and all of the teams have had something in common. They were all a family. Even as people came and went, the team would always grow as a family as the season went on.
Leighann’s favorite year was when she was a sophomore. She played with Dani Crandall and the two became very close during the season. The team Leighann had her sophomore year was the closest team she’s had throughout high school. Unfortunately she missed her entire junior season with a knee injury. Still, nothing will top high school basketball for Leighann. She’s made numerous memories and friends during every season.
Missing out on last season was hard for Leighann. Watching everyone being able to play when she couldn’t was hard to overcome. She tried to be a part of the team as much as she could. Always cheering from the bench and giving her teammates tips when they were needed. "Last year was rough. We struggled with ball pressure," says Kathryn Mills ’14 about losing Leighann last season. As well as this year is going, if the girls keep improving and working hard Leighann expects them to go on and win Districts.
"Leighann is a great basketball player. She can handle the ball well and works fine under pressure. I wouldn’t trade her for anyone, even when she’s grumpy. I see her playing at a D2 college in the future," comments Mr. Whitmyer on Leighann. Mr. Whitmyer has known Leighann for most of her life and has influenced her greatly. He’s been a great coach and has always pushed her to do her best. "Mr. Whitmyer is a tough coach. He will always work you hard and never let up. He knows the game and I’m glad he’s been my coach throughout high school," says Leighann about Whitmyer.
Leighann’s role model is Kristen Hayne. She played at Mason high school and then went on to play at MSU. In the future Leighann hopes to play college basketball. She wants to stay in Michigan and play at a D2 college. Leighann will be a definite loss when she leaves us. Kathryn Mills ‘14 says, "We are all going to have to grow as players to replace her."
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