Oakes, ND (NewsDakota.com) – Senior Sadie Hansen of the Oakes Tornadoes has had a decorated final season, and, as the Region 3 Girls’ Basketball Tournament is set to begin tonight, Monday February 22nd, at the Jamestown Civic Center, Sadie was kind enough to take a few minutes to answer some questions about her high school career and senior season.
Your team has had a great season so far. What has been the most fun part of your senior year?
The most fun part of my senior year has been getting to do what I love, which is competing in athletics and getting to play with my teammates. Also, being able to play volleyball and basketball and not having to go into quarantine has been a plus. I’ve made so many memories this year that I’ll never forget.
Sadie has 1,685 points in her varsity basketball career, the all-time high for Oakes girl’s basketball. On top of that, she has racked up 882 rebounds, 206 assists, 161 steals, and 196 three-pointers. During this season, as the only senior on the team, Sadie has taken the lead offensively and helped the team stay in a groove with her scoring and playmaking.
You became the all-time leading scorer in Oakes girl’s basketball history this year. What does that mean to you?
I’m grateful that I’ve stayed healthy throughout the 5 years I have played to reach this accomplishment. I give all my credit to my parents, teammates, coaches, and fans because they’re the ones that push me and motivate me every day to reach my goals.
Sadie was named to the District 5 All-District team and named District 5 Senior Athlete of the Year in basketball, something she is familiar with this year. During the volleyball season, Sadie was named Senior Athlete of the Year in District 5, in Region 3, and for the entire Class B. Through all of these plaudits, though, she has not lost sight of what has helped her and the environment that has allowed her to flourish.
What did it mean to be named the Senior Athlete of the Year for District 5?
I’m very grateful to have reached this honor. There are so many great athletes out there who are just as deserving. Again, I give all my credit to my parents, teammates, coaches, and fans. I wouldn’t have been able to get this award without them.
What has been the biggest key to your growth and success?
The biggest key to my growth and success has been to never give up and always give 100%. My parents are the biggest key to my success. The endless hours and support they’ve given me is unreal; they are awesome! There are two things that anyone can control, effort and attitude, and I’ve lived by that for the past 5 years of my athletic career. Also, I give a lot of credit to my teammates and coaches who I’ve played with and for. Those teams and coaches were the reason I’ve had growth and success.
What are your plans for next year in terms of college and sports?
I will be attending Valley City State University in the fall of 2021. I’m majoring in Elementary Education and possibly going into Special Education. I will be a part of the Women’s Volleyball and Track and Field teams. I’m so EXCITED! Being able to do what I love for 4 more years is such a blessing that I’m very grateful for. VCSU was such a warm and welcoming place, and, right when I got on campus, I had that instinct feeling that this is where I wanted to be.
Who do you want to shout out and/or thank for helping you to get where you are now?
My parents. They’ve taught me everything I know, especially in basketball. All the times I didn’t want to go to camps or go to the gym, they pushed me to be the best version of myself and motivated me to do my best. I’m very blessed that the Lord has given me two amazing parents that will always be there for me during the great and tough times.
Anything else you want to add or tell the people who will be reading this article and learning about you?
It has been an honor to be able to compete in North Dakota athletics. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’m very blessed for all the people who’ve been a part of my journey so far because they’re the reason I am who I am today. If there is any advice, I could give to young kids it is to never give up on your dreams and goals and to always be the best version of yourself. I’m a very religious person, so I’m going to add in a Bible verse that I always think about and know that the Lord is the one thing in my life that remains constant: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13.