No basketball moment carries the same meaning for Mia Goodlow as the decision she made away from the court: choosing to follow Christ.
The Silo sophomore said faith shapes how she lives and handles each season.
“The accomplishment I’m most proud of in my life is making the decision to follow Christ,” Goodlow said. “Of all the things I’ve accomplished, nothing compares to choosing to give my life to Him and continuing to grow in my faith.”
Basketball also gives Goodlow room to grow. The sport has taught her teamwork, discipline and patience. She has learned to accept correction, respond to mistakes and continue working after both wins and losses.
Teammate Parri Garrett helps make that experience meaningful.
“She always brings good energy and encourages me,” Goodlow said. “She makes basketball more fun, and I can always trust her to do her part for the team to the best of her ability.”
In the classroom, Goodlow credits Ms. Harper with helping her gain a better understanding of algebra.
“She helped me understand algebra better,” Goodlow said. “She was really understanding when I needed help.”
Goodlow also appreciates Silo’s close-knit atmosphere. The community is neither too big nor too small, and she enjoys seeing familiar faces at local events, especially football games.
Her father’s advice has become a reminder whenever she doubts what she can accomplish: “Can’t never could, never would and never will.”
“To me, it means ‘can’t’ isn’t an option,” Goodlow said. “It helps me remember that you can do things; it just takes practice.”
Goodlow stays involved as a member of Beta Club and Abundant Life Church. She assists at her mother’s salon when it offers free back-to-school haircuts and helps feed people experiencing homelessness through Families Feeding Families.
Her gratitude begins with the two sources of guidance she values most.
“I would like to thank God first, then my dad, because he has helped me reach where I am today,” Goodlow said. “He has always encouraged me and is still helping me develop and grow.”
Goodlow continues working to reflect that support through the player, student and community member she is becoming.
