>> BASKETBALL SPOTLIGHT
Esther Wofford By Brad Hollingsworth
W
HEN THE LA COSTA CANYON girls’ basketball team hangs its 2012-2013 CIF-San Diego Section championship banner in its gymnasium, it would surprise no one if Esther Wofford bought the material and sewed the whole thing herself. And even if she didn’t know how to sew, the senior guard would find a way because she always does. You see, Wofford did a little bit of everything for the Mavericks, who finished with a gaudy 32-3 record and a semifinal run in the state playoffs. And leading the way was Wofford, who takes on any job on the basketball court with gritted teeth and soul-piercing determination. “My role on the team is to be a leader,” said the 5-foot-6 guard. “I am the captain on this team and I don’t have just one role. My role would be stepping up to do whatever needs to get done that day, whether it’s scoring, defense, assists or just coaching my team up.” Case in point: LCC saw its 20-point lead against Serra melt away in the CIF finals. Tied at 52 with 34 seconds remaining, Wofford knocked down four free throws to seal the victory. For those who watched Wofford play for the Mavericks,
they knew those foul shots were going through the hoop. “When people watch me play, I want them to think that I can lead my team well, never crack under pressure and always keep going, no matter what the calls are or how I’m playing,” she said. “I’m always going to give it my all and leave everything on the court.” Wofford did just that for LCC, averaging 14.7 points per game, four assists and three steals per game. However, despite filling up the stat sheet, Wofford is quick to credit her teammates. “Our motto this year was ‘one team, one dream’,” Wofford explained. “All 12 of us had a dream at the beginning of the year and we were willing to work for those dreams. Someone was always stepping up. Of course, everyone wants to play a lot, but what made us special is when some kids didn’t get into the game, they are still on the bench excited and cheering for whoever is on the court.” Such a mature attitude was borne out of tragedy. Wofford’s mother, Teresa, died unexpectedly when she was just four years old, but her father, Bruce, and her seven brothers and sisters held the family together through athletics and they all shared in the Mavericks’ championship run. “When my mother passed away, of course, that affected my life by making me a strong individual today. I am a very independent person today because of it,” Wofford said. “I am number seven of eight kids and we are all different. We all
fight, but we all love each other to death. It has shaped me as a person that family always comes first, no matter what. “Ever since I was little, we would have basketball nights where everyone would play in the front yard and at that time I was only 3 or 4 years old. Having everyone older than me was a huge help because I would always play against my brothers and sisters who were all bigger than me.” And all those nights paid off with a championship for LCC and Wofford.
Favorite local restaurant? I like Roberto’s bean and cheese burrito or California burrito In the last year, what have you done that you are most proud of? Having a 4.0 last semester. Future career? When I’m out of college I plan to join the police force or specialize in crime scene investigation. Favorite food? Mexican food Favorite TV show? I love the Big Bang theory and Criminal Minds. Favorite movie? Love & Basketball
ESTHER WOFFORD
SCHOOL
LCC
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HEIGHT 5'6" GRADE 12 GPA 3.5 PHOTO BY KEVIN MUMMAU
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PHOTO BY KIMBERLY DEUTSCH - SNAPPS PHOTOGRAPHY
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