All-State Basketball: Victoria Gray, Bedford
Age: 16.
Year: Sophomore.
Height: 6-2.
Parents: Christy and Mike Gray.
Siblings: Sophia Gray 19, Ava Gray 17, and Anna Gray 14.
Honor: Associated Press Division 1 All-State second team.
Statistics: 13.4 points, 12.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals per game, shot 53.8 percent from the floor. Broke Shayna Munson’s school record with 30 rebounds in a game.
What her coach, Bill Ryan, said: "Victoria is the most dominant rebounder I have seen in a long time. Her length, athleticism, footwork, soft hands, and incredible motor made her unstoppable this year. I believe Victoria is one of the best bigs in the state. Her offensive game started to emerge in the last few weeks of the season. The sky is the limit for Victoria in terms of her basketball potential."
What Monroe Coach John Mason, said: "Intensity, hustle, basketball IQ. She does so many things for her teammates, but her will to get to the basket for rebounds is what separates her from everyone else."
People I most admire: My parents.
Person I would most like to meet: Adele.
Favorite movie: Grown Ups.
Favorite book: Ugly Love.
Favorite music: Country.
Favorite class: Math.
The best thing about my school: We get to have our phones in lunch and homeroom.
If I could change one thing about my school: I would make it so that we don't have to take English every year.
The people most influential in helping me become a successful athlete: My parents.
My greatest asset as an athlete: I really love sportsmanship and always am applying that in games.
The moment I realized I could excel in sports: When I started getting really tall and working on my skills.
Favorite athlete or team: Kobe Bryant.
I’m happiest when I’m: With friends and family.
Biggest thrill in sports: When the game is close and you are in a last-minute situation.
Biggest disappointment in sports: When you go against one of your rivals and you can't pull out that one win.
Best Christmas gift I ever received: A phone.
Favorite place I have visited: Italy or Punta Cana.
Place I would like to visit: Santorini, Greece.
Hobbies: I love watching movies.
Future plans: Play sports in college and become a nurse anesthetist or a travel nurse.
In 10 years, I see myself: On the verge to becoming a nurse and getting my degree.
People would be most surprised to learn that: My shoulders are double jointed.
Can’t live without: Sweatpants.
Best coaching advice I ever got: It's not all just about what your body can do and how good you can make your body. It’s between the ears that the game is actually played and is the most important.
What sports taught me about life: They taught me that there is more to life than just sports and that I need to live my life also right now like a kid in high school should and not worry so much about training constantly all the time.
What role can athletes take in making our schools feel safer and more inclusive: We can talk to other kids and really get to know people that are outside of athletics.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: All-State Basketball: Victoria Gray, Bedford
