After joining her sixth-grade basketball team with her friends for fun, freshman Anna Alpogianis discovered her passion for basketball and hidden talent for the game. Alpogianis has not only adjusted to the work ethics of high school in comparison to middle school, but she has also become accustomed to the intensity that comes from being a varsity athlete.

It is not often that a freshman is moved to varsity basketball, as head coach Amanda Mistretta is fairly against moving players up. Mistretta saw Alpogianis’ skills during summer camp though and knew she had to make an exception to her ideology.

“You could tell she was a ball player, just super competitive…I know freshmen are at different maturity levels, mostly skill level too…but her maturity level was there, and her skill level is definitely up there with the best on varsity for sure,” Mistretta said.

Making varsity is a huge accomplishment for any athlete of any age, but especially for Alpogianis, and she is aware and proud of how far she’s come.

“It feels amazing. I feel so welcomed and my coaches and teammates are helping me become a better player every day,” Alpogianis said. 

Though the season is still fresh, Alpogianis has already made a huge impact on her team.

“One of our starting and leading scorers, Katelyn Daly, got injured during practice and we don’t know how long until it’ll be till she’s back. Anna immediately stepped up to fill that role. Despite her nerves, she’s shown that she’s ready to step up…she doesn’t wanna let her teammates down and continues to put forth her best effort and hustles a lot during practice,” Senior Mary Sarkis said.

Alpogianis has found it very easy to connect with her teammates, as they have shown nothing but support towards her.

“I’ve just instantly clicked with [the team] and supporting each other really gained a lot of trust…when I found out I made varsity, I was so excited I ran straight to hug my teammate, Mary Sarkis,” Alpogianis said. 

Alpogianis and Sarkis connected during basketball camp this past summer, and since then have become very close.

“We just became very close and it felt like she was a little sister to me…Anna brings positive energy to everyone and never fails to put a smile on anyone’s face. All of us see the talent she has and the determination she brings every day at practice to get better,” Sarkis said. 

Sarkis and the rest of the team hope to show Alpogianis as much support as they can to help her grow as a player and grow closer as a team.

“We all want to show her how supportive and caring the culture of Niles West girls basketball is,” Sarkis said.