ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Zoe Sedo

Windermere Prep girls basketball team point guard Zoe Sedo recently became the first Laker from the team in school history to score 1,000 points in her high school career. Sedo is now looking forward to the rest of the season with her team and, hopefully, win districts.

Tell us about your years as a basketball player.
I stared when I was younger with my dad (Ismael). We just went outside to the court and started dribbling, nothing serious. But then, when I moved to Florida (seven years ago), I started playing at the YMCA, and then I went to AAU and then school ball.

Why basketball?
I just grew up playing it, so it’s a family thing. And I also played soccer, but when I moved to Florida, it was too hot, so I just stuck to an indoor sport, (because) I wasn’t used to (the heat).

What do you love most about basketball as a sport?
For me, it is an escape from reality. You just go out there, have fun and play the sport you love. And I’m very competitive, so it gets that out of me.

How do you feel about your 1,000th point in your career?
I’m very happy I did. It’s a very big milestone — especially for somebody my size. It’s just different to see.

How long have you been a part of the Lakers basketball team?
This is my first year here, (and) I love it here. I love the environment, the coaches, my team, everyone is so friendly and very supportive.   

Do you have a favorite drill to do at practice?
I love going 1v1s, like playing against people. I like the competitive part of it; I’m very competitive.

What do you think makes you a unique player on the basketball court?
I would say my hustle. I go after everything. Defensively, I’m always there. And I’m small and quick, so I use that to my advantage to get the first step off my defender.

How do you believe you instill leadership in your team?
By encouraging my teammates when we are all down. Say we are having a bad game, and as a point guard, getting them involved in the game.

What do you believe basketball has taught you not only on the court but also off it?
Definitely leadership. (It’s also) taught me that not all family is blood. My teammates — they are my family.

Do you have a favorite NBA player? And in the WNBA?
I have quite a bit (for the NBA), but if I had to pick one right now maybe Kyrie Irving. Just his moves, what he does, he’s smaller in the league, like me, he’s quick, his handles, I really look after that. (And for the WNBA) probably Candace Parker. She (is) my AAU coach’s sister, so I learned a lot about her there and what she stands for. She has a dog mentality, she goes after everything, like me.

What’s your favorite hobby?
Besides basketball, I would say hanging out with friends, I like drawing, coloring and arts, it’s soothing.

What TV series are you watching right now?
“The Gilmore Girls,” and I’m almost done with it. (What I love most about it) is the mom and daughter relationship they have. I really like it.

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why?
Thailand, because of their culture. I like experiencing different cultures, religions and foods. I’m vegan, so they are very big on vegetarian. Bali, because it’s beautiful; and Hawaii, because a lot of my family has been there. I’ve seen pictures, and it just looks so beautiful and relaxing.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation, to go anywhere I want whenever I want.

Which one would you choose: Instagram, BeReal or TikTok?
TikTok … I wish I didn’t choose it, but it’s addicting.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee. I know it’s bad but I love the flavor and me and my mom go for special occasions.

What color would you say represents your personality?
Blue, because you can make it a happy color … and I feel it’s a perfect mixture of all the colors. Yellow seems too happy. I’m not that happy all the time, so blue seems energetic, happy but still have sad days. I’m moody.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
A squirrel, I want to know why they decide to run across the road when they see a car coming, because I think I’ve almost ran over about 10 of them.