Thump-thump and with a flick of her wrist, swish. Aanya Mourya, a forward on the Wilcox High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team, is an exceptional athlete who demonstrates dedication to basketball and school, making her stand out on and off the court.
Aanya’s basketball journey began in 2nd grade, the same year the undefeated Golden State Warriors made their way to the NBA Championships. Watching from the big screen, Aanya felt inspired by their success. Aanya became a superfan and soon began her journey playing in the Sunnyvale Youth Basketball League. This exposure ignited her passion which has only grown immeasurably ever since.
Aanya’s high school experience was shaped by the influence of Coach Justin and her teammates. Aanya appreciates the support that has shaped who she has become today: “Coach Justin has been with me for only four years, but he’s had a huge impact on my game, my perspective, and my mentality—both on and off the court,” she thanked.
In her early days, Aanya started playing simply because she loved the game: “When I first started playing, it was just for my passion and interest.” However, she quickly realized that high school was like being thrown into deep waters: “Stepping into high school, I realized that there was more of a demand” Physically and mentally draining, Aanya acknowledged and accepted the expectations put forth that required deep self-reflection and improvement, all honing her skills as a team player.
A main contributor to Aanya’s steadfast passion for basketball is the recognitions and awards she’s earned over the years. One of her standout achievements was being chosen for the selective All-Tournament team, where one player, the best from each high school, is selected to compete in a multi-school tournament. Throughout several games, Aanya’s skills caught the attention of the officiating judges, earning her a spot in the tournament. “It was unexpected,” she says humbly, reflecting on accepting this honor. She was also recognized as the “Most Improved Player” on her team last season, an award highlighting her growth and commitment across seasons.
Aanya follows a consistent preparation routine to ensure she’s physically and mentally ready. She explains, “I make sure to lock in an hour before the game and get serious,” Stretching and warming up properly to prevent injuries, as well as taking time to shoot some hoops and mentally prime herself for the game ahead.
Under pressure, Aanya has experienced both triumphs and setbacks, navigating moments of success and mess-ups. Despite the nervousness, she masters how to channel that energy into her performance: “If you mess up, just think of the next play,” a motto she lives by, embracing a forward-thinking mindset. Instead of dwelling on the past, she uses that as fuel to zero in on small details that can make all the difference in the time left on the clock. With this mentality, she can stay composed and hold her head high in any circumstance.
The most rewarding part of being on Varsity for Aanya has always been the unbreakable bond she has with her teammates. Their shared passion is reflected in their collective achievements: “The best moments come from the time we spend together, working toward a common goal,” she says.
Looking ahead to the rest of this season, Aanya has set clear goals for herself and the team. With a roster of just nine players, she’s determined to contribute as much as possible by maximizing her stamina during games. “In case we get sick or injured, I need to be able to play the whole game without any breaks,” she explains. In addition to physical preparation, Aanya is striving to be the best leader she can be for her teammates, adopting ways to inspire and encourage each player to unleash their fullest potential.
On behalf of the entire team, Aanya expresses how the girls are pumped and excited, anticipating what lies ahead. “We were a new team last year, but now with the experience, we’re ready to take on what’s coming.” Come show your support at Senior Night on Tuesday, February 18th at 5:30 PM!
