Now that the the 2013 basketball season nears, there are high expectations for both the players and the coaches of St. Francis. This seems to be a very promising season.
There are many experienced seniors that will lead the way this year. One that stands out to many people is Cody Wald. Wald lives for basketball and has been playing for 12 years, starting in Kindergarten. He has been on varsity for his entire high school career, and has been a full-time starter for three years.
As he enters his final year, his teammates and coaches all depend on him as a leader of the team. He was named captain for the first time his junior year. There are many qualities needed to succeed. Being able to inspire others is a big one.
“I’ve been playing basketball a long time, and my father is my inspiration,” said Wald. “He’s helped and supported me all the way, and he is really the reason of who I am today.”
Love for the game is another quality needed, and Wald has shown that.
“You can’t play without loving the game. Playing in front of a huge, pumped up crowd is what I love most about the game and what really motivates me,” said Wald.
Strengths and weaknesses are another big part of the game. Everybody has them, whether they are good or bad. According to Wald, leadership is his main strength.
“I see myself as a leader, as do my teammates, so I must provide them with that. My main weakness is regaining my confidence. If I have a bad start to a game, it is tough for me to have confidence the rest of the game,” he said.
“Defining success for me is just exceeding people’s expectations and really leaving everything on the court,” he explained.
Wald is a humble guy with a basketball mind. After playing all those years, he has really grown from the past.
“I think I have really developed as a player,” Wald said, “and put all my skills together to try and become a great player.”