By Payton Moody
In the world of Tuttle High School basketball, Marissa Sandlin stands out not only for her skills on the court but also for her leadership and growth mindset.
For Marissa, Coach Jamie Combs has been a transformative figure: “I have had many great coaches, and they have all helped grow me into the player I am today. However, Coach Combs has honestly made me think differently about so many things I do in my game. Not only in the game have I grown, but also in life.”
Marissa admires the hard work and grit of her teammate Allie Rehl: “I really admire and look up to how hard working and just a gritty player Allie Rehl is. I am so glad I get to play with her again this year. I have had a lot of supporting teammates and still do.”
Reflecting on her academic journey, Marissa points to Mr. Shaw, her 8th-grade science teacher: “He made learning fun, he still supports me and is always so friendly.”
In preparation for the upcoming season, Marissa has focused on strength and skill development: “I have gotten stronger by lifting and eating healthier,” she said. “I always spend a lot of time in the gym working on my game and focusing on the little stuff.”
Basketball has taught Marissa valuable life lessons: “Basketball has taught me to work hard even when no one else is watching. It has taught me to be more outgoing also, so I am more social because of it. I enjoy being a vocal leader on the court. Being a student-athlete has also taught me how to multitask, prioritize, and manage things better.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Marissa expresses her aspirations: “I hope that we achieve our goals as a team, and to play to the best of my ability while doing my roles every game for my team.” The focus on both individual and team success underscores Marissa’s dedication to the sport.
Beyond high school, Marissa has clear plans for the future: “I plan to go to college, and I want to be a children’s minister or something in nutrition and health.” Marissa’s aspirations extend beyond basketball, reflecting a holistic approach to her future.
