By Ken Hansard
Webb City High School sophomore guard and student-athlete Addie Burns spoke to VYPE SPORTS in a recent interview.
VYPE SPORTS: What are your personal goals for the year?
Burns: I wanted to be more consistent this year. My goal was to show up and get the job done every game. If I was having an off-game scoring, I needed to make up for it in other ways.
VYPE SPORTS: What is your favorite memory about your association with this team?
Burns: My favorite memory with this team was at ORU summer camp. We had tons of fun playing basketball and just hanging out together. The funniest part was when we were all in the elevator and we broke it.
VYPE SPORTS: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Burns: Abby Sargent and Whitlee Keith have left the biggest impression on me. They both bring things to the table that I look up to. Abby is always hyped up for her teammates when they do something good, which is a trait I really admire. She not only is a very good basketball player, she is also a great leader. Whitlee is a really hard worker, and that makes me want to work harder, too. She is always in the gym shooting, and I can see that it pays off. I have played with these two a long time, and they always make me better.
VYPE SPORTS: What is your favorite part of being a part of this team?
Burns: The best part about being on this team is the chemistry we have off the court. We have tons of fun on the court, but even when we are off the court it is super fun. It is very drama-free, and we all have really good bonds. It is something special that you do not see every day.
VYPE SPORTS: What clubs, community groups, or campus groups are you involved with and why?
Burns: I am also involved in softball. I played in both junior high and high school and even before that. I also am involved in the high school leadership program – just to help out my school and community.
VYPE SPORTS: What accolades (in any sport or non-athletic activity) are you most proud of?
Burns: I am very proud of the academic awards I have received through the years because education and academics is something that is very important to me.
VYPE SPORTS: What has this sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
Burns: It has taught me that there are no shortcuts. If you want something to change, you need to change what you are doing; otherwise, you won’t see results. You have to put in the work to achieve what you want. If you don’t put in the work, then you don’t want it bad enough. That goes for anything.
VYPE SPORTS: What is the best advice that anyone has given you?
Burns: Be patient and trust the process. Continue to work hard even when you don’t feel like you are seeing results. The results will come if you continue to be disciplined and work hard.
VYPE SPORTS: Who inspires you and why?
Burns: My parents both inspire me. My dad because he works really hard and doesn’t complain about it. He knows what needs to be done and he does it. My mom inspires me because of her devotion to the people she loves and her kindness. All the little things she does are so inspiring, whether it’s baking something for someone going through a rough patch or sacrificing for her kids, she always makes the effort to help out.
VYPE SPORTS: Here is your chance to give a shout out or say thank you to anyone you wish.
Burns: Big thanks to my family for always supporting me and showing up to every game!
