5th Grade Winner

Malia Stonhill
Grade 5
Cougar Valley Elementary
Silverdale, WA

The female athlete who inspires me is Betty Lennox of The Seattle Storm. Betty has been a part of many teams. Two of these teams folded which led her to a dispersal draft, which landed her a guard position with the Seattle Storm.

What inspires me the most about Betty is her personality. I have gotten a chance to meet her at a couple Storm functions. Betty has a very positive vibe about her. Just that type of personality that makes me feel welcome around her. When I am around her I feel like I am important and have her complete attention. We talk about both her basketball and my basketball career. She makes mine seem more important. She is totally into hearing about what I do on the court. When we talk, I am like wow, I am telling this world-class MVP basketball star about me. She makes me feel so relaxed that I would like to talk basketball all day with her.

She has a big sense of pride for all her accomplishments, but does not take anything for granted. Just like myself, Betty has earned every accolade she has been given. Her very unselfish and modest attitude I find very comforting. Whenever I am having a hard time with school or social situations my mom always reminds me of Betty Lennox, and how hard she has worked for all she has. Many times not getting the recognition she deserves. My mom sees a lot of Betty Lennox in me I think. Sometimes I feel I am putting forth a lot more effort than my peers and getting back, well not so much recognition.

After a year of trying I have just landed a spot on a select basketball team. I am 10 years old and this team consists of 11 and 12 year olds. I did not get on this team because I was someone’s friend or popular. I made the team because I have talent. Just like Betty, “I earned that position.” Being on this team is very challenging for me. I am the youngest and for the first time in my basketball career I am no longer the tallest. I now have to be very creative to get my shots in. If Betty Lennox can get past Lisa Lesley, I can get past these 12 year olds.

My present and future success on this team and in my basketball career will be helped by the attitude and disposition I have observed in Betty Lennox both as a player and as a person. Betty Lennox has very greatly had a huge positive influence in my life.

Another reason Betty Lennox inspires me is that after a long struggle of bouncing from team to team she was named 2004 finals MVP. She was a very huge factor in winning the 2004 WNBA Championship for The Seattle Storm. Betty looks very comfortable and happy with The Seattle Storm, and I know I just love having her here.

Betty Lennox is a true inspiration for girls like me who have big dreams and lots of hurdles to overcome in order to achieve them. I will take each hurdle with a sense of pride and never take anything for granted along the way, and just like Betty Lennox I will be extremely grateful for all the opportunities that come my way, always knowing that they can be taken away as quickly as they were given to me.

Betty, thank you for coming to Seattle. Now I think everyone can finally say welcome home Betty Lennox.

Tanisha on Malia's essay:

“This particular essay was well written it outlined exactly who inspired her and why she inspired her so much. It was a meaty essay and she supported all her main ideas with supporting details. I also liked the way she expressed how Ms. Lennox became her inspiration. She went on to explain how Ms. Lennox overcame different situations in her life and how every time she is faced with a problem she can look back and think about Betty and that encourages her to be the best and do the best.”