Eighth-grader Trinity Baca after her latest JV game for the Socorro Lady Warriors.
Greg Byrd | El Defensor Chieftain

 

Eighth-grade student Trinity Baca has recently been bumped up in the basketball world. She is now playing for the junior varsity Socorro Lady Warriors basketball team.

Question: Is this your first year playing basketball with Socorro?

Answer: No sir, but this is my first year playing junior varsity.

Q: What position do you play?

A: Mostly coach puts me in the post position.

Q: How has the experience with the team been so far?

A: I’m just so grateful to get bumped up and play with these girls. Getting these experiences before I come into the ninth grade and begin to pursue my dreams playing for the high school full time.

Honestly I didn’t even know this was going to happen. I was playing basketball at the middle school and one of my teachers, Mr. Alvarado, said he really wanted me to come and play here for the Warriors and I never went back.

Q: How long have you been playing basketball?

A: City league I was in the fifth grade, so probably 10 or 11. I really liked watching my older brother Trenton McDaniel play. I always looked up to him as a father figure and he always wanted me to play basketball.

Q: Do you play any other sports?

A: I do. I run track, the 100m and 200m. I also play volleyball. Basketball is my favorite so far but I really love track too.

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

A: Probably softball. I was told by the coach that I’m a fast runner and he really wanted me to do it. I just didn’t want to shoot for softball because it’s in the same season as basketball.

Q: What is your favorite Olympic sport?

A: Gymnastics I would say. I did some of that when I was little and did even go into competition. It’s great because you’re with a group of girls and you can just do you out there.

Q: Of the big four professional leagues, what is your favorite to watch?

A: NBA. My favorite team is Golden State. They look like a team. They put in a good effort, and all I see is sportsmanship when they play.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete of all time?

A: Kobe Bryant. He was a great basketball player and I liked how he pushed his daughter to end up being a good basketball player so she could have gone somewhere in life. I like how strong he was in every facet of life.

Q: If you could have dinner with one person in history, who would that be?

A: Nipsy Hustle. He was a great singer and all. I just feel like he deserved more in life.

Greg Byrd | El Defensor Chieftain Sports Editor