By Matt Browning
Ell-Saline’s Isabelle Porter is playing varsity basketball for the first time this season and the Cardinals’ head coach, Brandi Schneider, knew what she was going to get with Porter.
“Isabelle has been a leader on the junior varsity for the last three years and will bring that to the varsity table this season,” Schneider said.
Those words from her coach mean a lot to Porter, who takes pride in how she carries herself.
“It feels rewarding to know that my efforts have been recognized,” Porter said. “Also, knowing that others think of me as a leader/role model (is rewarding).”
Porter said being a leader is a valuable trait to any athletic program.
“Having good leaders and a positive culture will be crucial to enhance performance to drive individual and collective success,” Porter said.
Being a senior, Porter hopes that the younger players in the program view her in the same light as her coach.
“I would like to think that they view me as a responsible and encouraging leader,” Porter said. “Someone who they look up to for advice and comforting.”
The definition of leadership is simple for Porter.
“To have the ability guide a team with positive motivation and communication skills,” Porter said. “I feel I fulfil this by having a strong work ethic and promoting team unity.”
