9Q’s with Shattuck’s Hailey Helfenbein
By Elizabeth Contreras
VYPE: What first drew you to basketball, and how long have you been playing?
Hailey Helfenbein: I was drawn to basketball because I liked the competitiveness and I’ve always liked to compete no matter the sport. I have been playing since I was 8 years old.
VYPE: How would you describe your playing style or your role on the team?
HH: I like to lead by example and hold myself to a high standard.
VYPE: What’s one skill you’ve worked hardest to improve, and how did you do it?
HH: I worked hard on my ball handling. I went to the gym in the offseason and attended camps this summer.
VYPE: Who has been the biggest influence on your basketball journey?
HH: My mom has been the biggest influence on my basketball journey because she has basketball experience and knows the game well.
VYPE: What’s your favorite memory on the court so far?
HH: My favorite memory so far is playing in the Shattuck Shootout in front of a home crowd with the elementary students there to cheer us on.
VYPE: What’s something people might not realize about the amount of work that goes into being an athlete?
HH: Something people may not realize is that all the big moments are made because of all the hard work put into the little moments in the gym.
VYPE: How do you handle setbacks — like tough losses or personal mistakes during a game, or unexpected challenges like injuries?
HH: You can’t change the mistakes or what’s happening. You have to focus on the next play.
VYPE: What goals have you set for yourself this season?
HH: Goals that I have set for myself is that I want to become a better ball handler and shooter as I step into my upperclassman years. I also want to become a more vocal leader.
VYPE: What advice would you give to younger players who look up to you?
HH: You can never put in too much work. Focus on God and keep Him first through all the challenges you face playing sports and outside of sports.
