Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Deondre Buggage

4/16/2020

Deondre Buggage - Louisiana
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by David Williams Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Deondre Buggage is an inspirational student athlete. He has grown into a fine young man. I've watch him from the first time his dad put that ball in his hand to the excellent ball player he is now. He averaged 26 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per contest. He was selected 2nd Team All-State along with District MVP. His commitment to school and basketball has inspired youth in the neighborhood to follow suit and train like him.
The Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXD5fLmIK3U&t=81s

Photography by David Williams Photography

What do you love most about playing basketball and how have you dedicated your time to the sport since you were little?
What I love most about basketball is the intensity of the game and the pressure of the big moments towards the end of a game because it brings the best out of everybody. I have been training since I was about six years old; I have skipped out on parties and other events so I could get better to accomplish my goals.

Tell me about the achievements you have accomplished through basketball and your commitment to school.
I have accomplished plenty of achievements such as Region player of the year, District MVP, First team all-district, First Team All-State, Three-Point state champion, and I made the State All-Star game team. I believe school is important because it builds you as an individual just like basketball. Therefore, my commitment to school is the same as my commitment to basketball because without the schoolwork there is no basketball since I feel that the two work together.

Photography by David Williams Photography

How have you managed playing basketball while also being committed to your academics?
I have managed it because I always put my schoolwork first. I would do as much work as I could at school; then finish the rest at home before going to train or play basketball. If I had practice right after school, my first priority was to make sure that I completed any schoolwork after I made it home.

How have you become an inspiration to others in your community through your dedication to basketball and school?
I have become an inspiration for others in my community because they see how hard I have worked towards my dedication to basketball and school. When I accomplish something, it inspires me and others in the community because it shows that hard work pays off in the end. It takes dedication, a good work ethic to push yourself; and it’s not just with sports it is with anything you do in life to accomplish your dreams and goals.

Photography by David Williams Photography

How close are you with your family and friends and what do you enjoy doing most to spend time with them?
I am very close with my family and friends, and I like to go eat out with them while just talk about things or play games with them. I also enjoy watching movies with them. I mostly just like spending time with them when we are only hanging out, talking, laughing without actually doing anything or going anywhere.

Photography by David Williams Photography

3 Things on your bucket list
1.         Go to Hawaii
2.         Sit courtside at an NBA game
3.         Go skydiving

Deondre will be featured in Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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Faith Silva

8/7/2019

3 Comments

Faith Silva – New Mexico
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Flores Studios
Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Faith Silva is one of the State of New Mexico's top Basketball stars. Her accolades include NM Offensive Player of the Year, NM 5A Player of the Year, NMPrep HOF, Leading scorer for NM North/South All Stars 2019. She will attend AZ Western College in the fall to continue her Basketball Career.

When did you first start playing basketball and how has it impacted your daily life?
I started playing basketball consistently when I was in 7th grade. I instantly fell in love with the game and knew that it was something I wanted to continue doing.

Basketball has become my outlet. I play basketball every single day, working on new skills.

What awards have you won from being one of New Mexico's top basketball stars?
I have won 5A district player of the year, 5A All-district, NM Player of the Year, NM Senior of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, and broke 4 records in my local high school- most 3 pointers in a game, most points in a single game, most 3 pointers in a season, and most 3 pointers in a career.

What do you find most exciting about attending AZ Western College in this fall?
The opportunity to play college basketball is really exciting. I am excited to get to play with the other girls, and to be able to play at the next level.

Through your entire basketball journey, what has been your most memorable moment? The most memorable memory for me so far is definitely when we went to state and got to play at UNM “The Pit.”

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Anything is possible. You can achieve anything you set your mind to and dedicate yourself to.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
Probably playing basketball! I also plan on getting a degree in Psychology, so who knows. Anything is possible!

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
My family and coach have inspired me to always do my best. I hope I inspire others by my hard work and determination.

Tell us about your family and what you love doing most with them.
I have a younger brother (16) and a younger sister (12). My parents and family have been a huge part of my support system. I love spending time with them and bowling.

Who do you find inspiring?
Diana Taurasi. She is amazing, and I enjoy watching her play.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I actually used to be a hip-hop dancer for a local dance studio, Showtime Studio. We were National Champions for a few years and even won a Worlds Championship.

3 Things on your bucket list:
play college basketball, travel as much as I can, and play basketball with Diana Taurasi.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I am very grateful for this opportunity. I want to thank everyone that has supported me and helped me get to where I am in my career.

Faith will be featured in Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Leila Patel

4/30/2019

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Leila Patel - Texas
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination by Lily Crane
Photography by Christina White & Barry Blalock
Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Leila Patel isn't just an incredible basketball player, she is an incredible person. She made Varsity last year as a Freshman, won the Newcomer of the Year award in our district, and this year she leads the team in scoring and definitely our MVP. She made the girls Under Armor team and is an amazing person with a huge heart. She cares about everyone around her and will help anyone in need. She inspires everyone around her to not only try harder in practice but to be a better person. I couldn't have made it the last two years without her and I have a feeling a lot of people in her life think that same way!

Explain the role basketball plays in your life and what it means to you.
Basketball has been in my life for a long time because of my little brother. I watched him play countless games and then decided to give it a try myself. It is a pretty recent passion of mine as I started my first skills class when I was in 6th grade - I was more of a competitive swimmer and dancer when I was younger.

Basketball has allowed me to meet and work with new people and people who are different from me. It plays a huge role in my life as I work most everything in my life around basketball. Basketball has allowed me to make new friends, be a part of a team and has pushed me out of my shell as I have always tended to be a shy person. I have gained confidence on and off the court. I love the feeling of being on the court with the basketball in my hands!

How did it feel to receive varsity status as a freshman? Were there any moments in the process where you thought it wouldn't have been possible?
It was awesome! It had been a goal for me to play varsity basketball in high school. I put the work in and made varsity, though, I didn’t know how much playing time I would receive. I made up my mind to arrive early each day before practice to get my shots up and do the work. I’m happy to say that I started every game of my freshman year and became the leading scorer for our team.

Tell us a little bit about the Girls Under Armour team and early college recruitment. (That's so exciting!!)
This year Under Armour launched its national girls’ basketball circuit to showcase young athletes across the country. It’s really exciting to be part of it. There are three showcases this season where I will play with my team in front of college coaches from all over the country who are looking to recruit for their teams. It’s cool to see what my future may hold as I pursue my passion.

Tell me a time when you were expected/asked to become a leader on your team (during a practice, game, etc.)
I arrived to each practice early for my high school team, normally being the first on the court in the morning. Because of this, my coach gave me the opportunity to lead and encourage my teammates to arrive early to practice. I was also expected to be a leader on both sides of the court by talking on defense and scoring on offense.

Who are some interesting figures you look up to?
One of my role models is Ana Llanusa from Oklahoma Women's Basketball. She is a shooting guard just like me. She can shoot the ball well and is an all-around great player. She has overcome adversity with her injuries but continues to keep working hard. She embodies the qualities I strive to possess.

Leila will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Allison Moreau

3/12/2019

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Allison Moreau – 17 – New York
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nominated and Photography by Eve Taverne Photography
Issue 17 | Athlete

The Nomination: Allison is currently at 2266 career points, 3rd place in NYS Section III for Girls Basketball, all-time scoring record for her school. She is the NYS Section III Soccer Career Shutout Leader for 2018 and received a Div II college soccer scholarship from Lemoyne.
She mentors, volunteers and raised $2300 for Think Pink in memory of her coach and his daughter who passed within 6 weeks of each other last year.

Update since her nomination! Allison finished her basketball career with total of 2286 points. 3rd behind Breanna Stewart (WNBA MVP) and Iowa State Star Emily Durr!

How did your interest of basketball and soccer start?

My hometown provides many opportunities for older athletes to volunteer their time mentoring young and upcoming players. Growing up participating in these programs at a young age, I looked up to these role models and began to develop a love of both soccer and basketball. The inspiration I gained encouraged me to always work to improve my skills. I now enjoy being the older athlete teaching a younger generation how to play and embrace the sports I love.

Tell me about the NYS Section III Soccer Career Shutout Leader for 2018.

I am very humbled to have reached this milestone. I was fortunate through the years to have very strong teammates that helped me get to this record. With a coach who had a philosophy of “defense first”, I did my best to keep the ball out of the net each and every time. Throughout my high school career, I was able to do this in 61 games to break the shut-out record held in Section III in NY State.

What is Think Pink and how are you involved?

Our soccer and basketball teams were coached by Tim Clive and his son Devin. Tim’s daughter and Devin’s sister, Kari, lost her battle with breast cancer in late December last year. Coach Tim Clive passed away unexpectedly 6 weeks later from cancer as well. As a 3-year Captain of both teams, I helped organize events at our games to raise money for cancer research in memory of Kari and Tim Clive. Our events included bakes sales, donations, raffles and were strongly supported by our community and other schools in our area. Our last event was a “Shoot for a Cure” basketball game and the opposing team’s coaches wore pink and their players donned pink shoelaces in support.

If you weren’t involved with basketball and soccer, what do you think you would be doing and why?

If I were not involved with soccer and basketball, I would most likely be involved with activities helping young kids. I know how much I admired and looked up to older students and how much they helped me over the years, I would try to do even more mentoring, tutoring or whatever helped kids to grow and reach their full potential.

What are your plans for the future?

I will be attending LeMoyne College in the fall. I will be playing soccer for the Dolphins as a Goalie and working toward an academic degree that allows me to continue helping children.

Allison will be featured in Issue 17 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Justin Graciano

12/4/2018

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Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Images by Alexis Graciano - Graciano Photography
Indiana

The Nomination: Justin is a great guy loves to travel has been in sports all his life. In middle school he decided to take on only basketball and has had many achievements from it. He was a sectional champion this year and received MVP and many other awards. He's starting to teach himself guitar and just started at IUN for business with a basketball scholarship. Anything he puts his mind to he does with his whole heart

What are your favorite places to travel to with your friends/family?
My favorite place to travel with my family is probably Texas because then we’re surrounded by more family that live down there.

Tell me a little bit about receiving the MVP award for basketball.
Receiving the MVP award was awesome for me, because my dream growing up was to be good enough to earn something that big.

If you weren’t playing basketball, what other sport would you want to progress in?
If I wasn’t playing basketball I would probably look to excel in body building because I love working out and lifting weights.

What are 2 pieces of advice that you would give to a beginning basketball player wanting to play in the NBA one day?
Advice I’d give to someone just starting out is, work really hard and set goals, don’t give up if you’re struggling because pushing through the frustration will lead you to your goal.

What are your plans for after you graduate college?
After I graduate college I’m going to start looking for a full time job that relates to my diploma.

Images by Graciano Photography

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Deondre Buggage

Deondre Buggage - Louisiana
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by David Williams Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Faith Silva

Faith Silva – New Mexico
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Flores Studios
Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Leila Patel

Leila Patel - Texas
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination by Lily Crane
Photography by Christina White & Barry Blalock
Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Allison Moreau

Allison Moreau – 17 – New York
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nominated and Photography by Eve Taverne Photography
Issue 17 | Athlete

Justin Graciano

Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Images by Alexis Graciano - Graciano Photography
Indiana

Featured

Archives

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Deondre Buggage

Deondre Buggage - LouisianaInterview by Claire PlathNomination and Photography by David Williams PhotographyIssue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Faith Silva

Faith Silva – New MexicoInterview by Claire PlathNomination and Photography by Flores StudiosIssue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Leila Patel

Leila Patel - TexasInterview by Michelle SicardNomination by Lily CranePhotography by Christina White & Barry Blalock​Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​​

Allison Moreau

​Allison Moreau – 17 – New YorkInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNominated and Photography by Eve Taverne PhotographyIssue 17 | Athlete​

Justin Graciano

Interview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination & Images by Alexis Graciano - Graciano PhotographyIndiana

Featured

Archives

Categories

Deondre Buggage - Louisiana
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by David Williams Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Faith Silva – New Mexico
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Flores Studios
Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Leila Patel - Texas
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination by Lily Crane
Photography by Christina White & Barry Blalock
Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Allison Moreau – 17 – New York
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nominated and Photography by Eve Taverne Photography
Issue 17 | Athlete

Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Images by Alexis Graciano - Graciano Photography
Indiana