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Cydnee Colpaert
SENIOR – COMBS HIGH SCHOOL
SPORTS – BASKETBALL & SAND VOLLEYBALL
The team has been ranked as high as No. 6 in the state this season. Are you surprised at the success the team has had so far? Why or why not?
I feel coming into this season we were all a little blind to what this year would bring. It is hard to know how a team is going to turn out until the first couple of games, but I think we realized early on that what we had was special. We are a team in which each of us individually have our strengths and weaknesses, but we found we worked really well together and that’s what set our team apart and gave us hopes for a great season.
You currently lead the team in scoring and are in the top three in assists and rebounds. To what do you attribute your success?
Every practice I have something in mind that I want to work on especially. I know have weaknesses and in order to support my team I know I have to work on them. What I feel is most important is that we all have something to work and the girls and I know that all of us come to practice with a goal in mind and we strive to challenge each other. My teammates go as hard against me as an opposing team would and I the same so there are always intensity and purpose at practice.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to go the college out of state. My dream school would be Yale, but I hope that I get into any school that I apply for. I want to become a neurologist.
Finish this sentence: “My greatest athletic memory so far at CHS is…”
Creating the sand volleyball team at my school. It was a long process and something I really wanted to establish at my school. When we finally got word that the team was official, I was in shock. I couldn’t believe we had actually started a new sport at my school.
What is your favorite sports movie and why?
Forever Strong is probably my favorite. I love how the movie stresses morale and values in sports and the lessons playing sports bestows upon players.
Name one person you’d most like to meet and why?
If I could meet one person, it would definitely be J.J. Watt. He is my inspiration on the court and in life. He is arguably the best defensive player in NFL because he works hard all day and every day. Outside the field, he works hard to support and aid others which shows his love for his sport, his fans, and his community. Also, he’s super cute.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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