Jonnie Willie is a varsity basketball player for the Magdalena Steers.
Cathy Cook | El Defensor Chieftain

 

Magdalena senior Jonnie Willie plays for the girls varsity basketball team.

How long have you been playing basketball?

I’ve been playing basketball since I was in middle school. Transferred here in eighth grade and started playing JV. I had some good coaches all the way up to my varsity year. I’m glad I’m still here at the same school.

You’re getting ready to graduate. Do you know what you’re going to do next?

Yeah, I’m going to go to college at ASU and probably go to medical school afterwards.

Do you think you’ll keep playing basketball in college or is this it?

I’ll keep playing, but I don’t think I’ll continue that as a career.

What’s your favorite part of playing for Magdalena?

Probably the community because we’re so, community’s always there for you when there’s a bad time. They’re really good supporters and my teammates as well because they’re my family. We’ve been through a lot but we have each other.

Do you have any favorite moments as you’re looking back at your time here?

Probably the last game I had with Coach Greenwood against Alamo. She was so excited after that game because it was just intense and everybody going crazy. They’re our rivals and a lot of people come out and watch so that was a good game.

Do you have a favorite sport besides basketball?

I’d say volleyball. It’s a good sport and it’s fun too. I learned a lot from that, and it got me in shape too. I’m glad I played.

What’s your favorite thing about basketball?

Being on the court, you don’t focus on anything. You’re just there. You don’t worry about what’s going on around the world or in the crowd. Your mind’s just blank and you just don’t have to worry about anything.

Do you have a famous athlete you look up to or admire?

I don’t really like look at other people. I don’t know that many basketball players. The only person I really watched was Paige Bueckers. She’s a college basketball player. Probably the only person.

Is there anything you want to say to your teammates?

I’m glad that I got to be there with them throughout this whole rollercoaster that we went to, and slowly making our goals. I’m glad we experienced this together as well because we have become stronger and I love them so much. I couldn’t ask for a better team.

Cathy Cook, Editor, El Defensor Chieftain