Get to know senior Stella Somers, who is known as an amazing leader on and off the court, as she is involved in many clubs here at Hoover High School and a player on both the girls basketball team and lacrosse team. 

“I am on the varsity basketball and lacrosse teams,” she said. “I am the vice president of my class and in student council. I am also a member of the NHS. [In addition] I play club lacrosse for Maxim.” 

With being a multi-sport athlete and involved in so many extracurriculars it can be hard to manage all of it. Somers talked about how she manages her busy schedule.

“Staying motivated and on top of my work,” she said. “I might not always be getting everything done early because of my busy schedule, but if I keep track of due dates and test dates I am able to plan out studying and doing homework around my sports schedules.”

Being in many after school clubs and sports can be exhausting, Somers talked about how she avoided getting burnt out throughout her high school career. 

“For me it is really important that I give myself grace and set apart time for me to do things that I enjoy that don’t involve school or sports,” she said. “For example, reading and spending time with my family. These things help me to wind down and relax and then when I am ready to continue with my sports and academics I feel more motivated and have more energy to do so.” 

Even though Somers has a lot of work she never lets that get in the way of being a good teammate and player. The girls varsity basketball coach, Mr. Craig Nettleton, talked about how she contributes to the team. 

“Stella is a great teammate who gives tremendous effort,” he said. “[She’s] a captain, an extremely hard worker and has her team’s utmost respect. She is a ‘glue girl’ for our team. She does so many things people might not notice on the floor: She’s the first to dive on the floor for a loose ball, grab a big rebound, guard the other team’s best player or get a crucial steal. On top of that, she’s one of the first to stand up and cheer for a teammate or give a high five.” 

Even though Somers will be leaving Hoover soon, she has made an imprint here that will last forever. Nettleton talks about the imprint she has left on the basketball team. 

“We will definitely miss Stella when she leaves us,” he said. “She has been a terrific role model and has left a blueprint for the Lady Vikings to follow on how to treat and respect each other.” 

Somers’ great attitude isn’t just recognized on the court or in school, but also with her friends. One of Somers’ friends since elementary school and teammate senior Aubrey Fisher talked about how Somers has impacted her. 

“Stella’s positive attitude towards just about everything has impacted me greatly,” she said. “I have seen Stella grow as a student, as well as a friend. She puts a great amount of effort towards anything she desires and isn’t afraid of going after what she wants.” 

Through all the memories and moments throughout Somers’ four years at Hoover High School, she talked about one of her favorite memories and experiences she has had here. 

“Getting to be a part of both the basketball and lacrosse teams,” she said. “I am so lucky to have made so many great friends and experiences through being on those teams. A more specific example: beating Jackson for the first time in girls lacrosse program history last season.” 

As graduation comes closer, Somers talked about some of the plans she has for the future. 

“After high school I plan to go to college out of state,” she said. “I want to study marketing and sports law.” 

Balancing school, clubs and multiple sports can be a lot. Somers talked about what she is most excited about once school is over and she finally gets a break. 

“After high school I am looking forward to spending one last summer with all my friends,” she said. “I am also looking forward to traveling more since I won’t have any sports this summer.” 

Coach Nettleton leaves one more message for Somers as she starts the next chapter of her life. 

“Don’t change a thing,” he said. “Keep being YOU! We are all so proud of the player and person that we see everyday.”