Photo By 1st Sgt. Khalia Jackson | Spc. Kenyatta Sears, 273rd Military Police Company, District of Columbia National...... read more read more
WASHINGTON – D.C. Guard member Spc. Kenyatta Sears made the All-Army Basketball Team on Oct. 22 after a five-day trial camp. The team will play against Division II colleges across the country.
“I am excited to show what I can bring to the team and help the team make a noise in the Army,” Sears said.
As a Soldier and athlete, she continues to pursue her favorite sport. She started playing basketball in the fifth grade at the community church, was positioned as starting guard throughout high school and college, and played semi-pro with the Lady Stallions in her hometown of Hampton, Virginia.
Her favorite player is Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. “I loved his game ever since he was No. 8 with the Lakers. The way he took control of the court and nobody could really stop him, that’s what I aspire to be.”
After she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Sears joined the 273rd Military Police Company, District of Columbia National Guard.
“I was proud to join the military in this capacity because I have always dreamed of coming back to the community and protecting it,” Sears said.
While awaiting placement into the 273rd, she was in the Recruiting and Retention Battalion where she met former All-Army basketball player, Staff Sgt. Ashley Bowman.
“I first heard about All-Army Sports at Advanced Individual Training, but Staff Sgt. Bowman mentored me through the entire process of being accepted into the trial camp,” Sears said.
Bowman played All-Army and All-Armed Forces basketball for two years, winning two gold medal. As a mentor, Bowman shares her experiences with Sears and has provided support along the way.
“She’s an incredible Soldier, always squared away and will go above and beyond to do what is asked of her,” Bowman said. “I think she will have an exceptional career in the DC National Guard. Although we won’t be able to physically practice basketball together, I send her workouts and give her advice on a daily basis.”
In order to participate in the trial camp, Sears had to provide her basketball profile and video highlights from her college and semi-pro games. Impressed with her talent, she was accepted as a participant.
“Spc. Sears displays rare talent you do not see from a lot of players in today's game. She's very persistent and determined to be the best at what she does and I admire that about her,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Aaron Bryant, assistant coach for the All-Army Women's Basketball Team.
“Like the best in the game of basketball (Michael Jordan) once said, 'Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.' In order for us to be successful during our College Tour, we must incorporate those values. We have ourselves a winner."
| Date Taken: | 10.26.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.05.2015 09:46 |
| Story ID: | 180883 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DC, US |
| Web Views: | 662 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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