Photos Courtesy of Jason M. Bolin
Freshman Josephine Haas has already built an impressive resume early in her high school career. As the only freshman in the regular rotation on a team with six seniors, Josephine has stepped into a big role while continuing to learn from the experienced players around her. Although being one of the youngest players on the team took some adjustment, Josephine says the support from her teammates made the transition easier. “Being one of the younger ones in the rotation has been something I had to get used to,” Josephine said. “But all of the older girls have been really helpful and supportive. Whenever I didn’t know something they were never upset, they just helped me and told me what I needed to know.”
That support helped Josephine grow closer to her teammates both on and off the court. “It also brought me closer to all of them and they help me with things on and off the court,” she said.
Josephine’s varsity journey actually began several years ago. She first joined the varsity program as a seventh grader, gaining valuable experience by watching and learning from the older players. That experience helped motivate her to keep improving. “Making varsity and watching my seventh grade year made me want to play at a higher level my eighth grade year,” she said. “Being a part of the team my eighth grade year with my sister motivated me to be better.”
Playing alongside older teammates and competing in big games pushed her to raise her expectations for herself. “All of the older girls motivated me to be better,” Josephine explained. “I knew I had to step up and work hard to be where I am today.”
Despite only being a freshman, Josephine is already preparing for her third appearance at the state tournament. The experience of being part of those teams has taught her important lessons about work ethic and responsibility. “Being to the state tournament three times really taught me that things aren’t just given but are earned,” she said. “It taught me that whatever your role is you have to always put your 100 percent in no matter what.”
Competing in those high-level games is something Josephine says she has dreamed about since she was young. “Being able to be a part of such a good team in these big games is something I’ve been dreaming about since I was little,” she said. “It’s amazing that I get to experience it at such a young age.”
While athletics are a big part of her life, Josephine also understands the importance of staying focused in the classroom. In addition to basketball, she has competed in varsity volleyball and track since seventh grade, which has required strong discipline and time management. “Staying focused in school and sports is something I’ve always had to do, especially because I started playing sports at such a young age,” she said. “My older sisters taught me how to maintain both at the same time and why it’s important.”
Through balancing school and athletics, Josephine has learned lessons that extend far beyond sports. “Doing sports and having to keep up with school work has taught me discipline and time management,” she said. “It also taught me that you have to work towards what you want in your sport not just at practice, but in your everyday life as well.”
Already competing at a high level as a freshman, Josephine Haas is building a strong foundation that points toward an exciting future for both her and the Maȟpíya Lúta program.