Athlete of the Week: Gabriella Paz

The Lady Warriors are not afraid to play small when they have players like Gabriella Paz on the court.
Greg Byrd | El Defensor Chieftain

Senior Gabriella Paz is one of the shorter players on the Lady Warriors basketball roster. That does not stop her from being a force on both ends of the floor.

Question: How long have you been playing basketball for the Lady Warriors?

Answer: I’ve been playing for Socorro since my seventh-grade year. Before then, I played at the junior level ever since I was 6.

Q: What is the most important thing about being a good basketball player?

A: It’s all about coming together as a team. This is not a one-person sport. You have to find a way to work together as a group.

Q: What is your favorite part about playing basketball?

A: I don’t have a favorite. Everything that comes with playing basketball just does it for me.

Q: Is there an aspect of the game you do not enjoy?

A: Probably the running because I’m not very conditioned. My dad and I will go on weekends as well as after practice sometimes to the Tech gym for some drills before I take some laps around the soccer field. That has helped me build stamina for when we play in games.

Q: What is the biggest strength of your game?

A: My defense. I’m very aggressive which is why most of my fouls come on that side of the ball. But when I really get focused, I know that I can lock down any opponent.

Q: For the younger players coming up, what advice would you give them?

A: Never give up. Always be strong with the ball. And most importantly, never put down your teammates. That is your family. Be confident every game as a group.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete?

A: Kyrie Irving. He is an amazing ball-handler. When he’s out there, he is so fearless and takes that ball every time. That is how I try to play.

Q: What is your favorite sport that you do not play?

A: Football. Just watching it with my dad, especially when the Cowboys play. It’s a lot of fun.

Q: If you could meet any famous person in history, living or dead, who would it be?

A: Drake. Since I was young, my brother has always listened to Drake’s music and so I came up listening to him. He has always been one of my favorite artists.