Handley High School 17-year-old senior

Sport: Basketball. Position: Guard

Parents: Nicole and Tim Hobson

Hometown: Winchester

What do you love about basketball?: I love just being able to play with my teammates who are really just my best friends. I’ve known them for years, so just being able to be around them and also play a sport that I love [means a lot]. 

Most memorable moment in basketball: My most memorable moment was probably off the court. [It was] with my teammates coming back from our Charlottesville game, the bus ride home. (Handley played Charlottesville in the Region 4D semifinals in 2024). We just had such a good time. We were all just hanging out and having fun. 

Most embarrassing moment in basketball: My most embarrassing moment is probably just falling. I kind of fall a lot, but there was this one game against James Wood, it was like right off the tip, and I fell as soon as the ball got tipped.

Most difficult moment in basketball: Probably earlier this year, having to push through as a team when Reagan [Edsell] was hurt, and having to play and figure out people’s positions and how to step up so we could still continue through with our season.

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: My great-grandma, my great-grandpa and my sister [Madison]. I just think it would be such a funny dinner and it would be nice to all hang out. And it would be great to see my great-grandparents again. 

Biggest athletic influences: Probably my sister. She’s always been involved in a lot of sports, so I’ve just always been around her and have been influenced to follow in her footsteps. 

Favorite teacher: Ms. [Randi] Jones. She was my gym teacher. She’s always been someone I can talk to about anything and she’s always just so much fun. And I still pop into her class whenever I need to talk. 

Favorite athlete: [UConn women’s basketball player] Azzi Fudd

Favorite team: UConn women’s basketball

Favorite movie: “Clue”

Favorite TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy”

Favorite song: “Cinderella” by Mac Miller

Favorite food: Sushi

Worst thing you’ve eaten: Probably melted cheese on pizza. I hate melted cheese. 

Plans after high school: To attend James Madison University and major in health science. I really want to go into [physical therapy], so it’s just a really good major to get into the PT program.

— Compiled by Joe Tuman