Teya Sidberry ‘22 - Utah’s Ms. Basketball 2022

By Brianna Valcarcel ‘22

By now we all know that Teya Sidberry broke the high school career state scoring record, was named Deseret News 2022 Ms. Basketball, led her Lady Bulldogs team to an undefeated season and its first state championship in school history.

“I couldn't have done it without my team and all of their support,” Teya said, describing the moment she broke the state record on February 2 off an assist from Marika Collins. “It was a surreal moment. I will never forget that moment for sure for the rest of my life.

“It just didn't feel real and still doesn't feel real. The gym was so loud I thought my eardrums were gonna burst. It was insane. But that just is like Judge and the team in general. My teammates and the crowd were so supportive. That's just Judge. It's a very loving community. That whole experience was just Judge.”

Principal Lambert, her fellow teammates, and all the fans congratulating Teya on breaking the Utah High School Career State scoring record on February 2, 2022 at the Coach Yerkovich Gym.

Although Teya is known for her skills in basketball, little kids throughout Utah know Teya as a leader and inspiration.

During the basketball season a student from St. Vincent's school did a presentation about how Teya was her hero. On February 16 Teya took the opportunity to surprise the girl and her classmates at their school.

The 4th Grade class at St. Vincent's does a special "Daily Dedication," where a student volunteer chooses a person for the class to then dedicate all their hard work, intentions, kindness, and prayers. On Friday, February 11, 4th grader Sophie, who is a fellow basketball player and admirer, chose Teya.

“I was shaking,” the little girl said when asked about Teya’s surprise visit. “I was about to cry. I had no idea what was going on. I was just in shock.”

Teya surprised St. Vincent 4th grader Sophie who thinks of Teya as her hero.

“I remember when I was a little girl, I looked up to so many people,” Teya said. “I'm just a high school senior but this is why I play, to hopefully in my life inspire other people and help them in whatever way I can. So it's very heartwarming to see that a girl and all of these kids look up to me.”

In addition to being Utah’s 2022 Ms. Basketball, Teya also served as the Student Body Officer for Activities and graduated with honors.

Teya says she owes a lot to the people she looked up to when she was a little girl.

“I'm so thankful for women before me who have inspired me. It's really like ‘game inspires game,’ and I hope one day a little girl beats my record.”

And Teya has nothing but respect for Julie Krommenhoek, who set the state scoring record with 2,384 points playing for American Fork High School from 1990-94. Teya broke that record that stood for over 25 years, finishing her career with 2,536 total points.

These two women are very similar in the way that they love basketball, and now Teya will be playing basketball at the University of Utah just like Julie did when she earned All-American honors for the Utes. When Teya was asked if she were to say anything to Julie, here’s what she had to say.

“Thank you for being such a good example. Thank you for inspiring me to be my best self and to continue working. I definitely wouldn't have been the player I am today if it weren't for women like you in the game.”

Teya holding Judge Memorial’s first ever State Championship trophy for Girls Basketball on the night of February 26, 2022 after an undefeated season.