Winston Journal

Sheila Hickman, the Louisville High School Girls Basketball Coach, spoke on one of her favorite topics on July 2 as she addressed the Rotary Club of Louisville. Hickman described the girl's basketball program at Louisville High School and one of its key players for the upcoming year and the past three years, Dee Forrest.

"I am always excited to have an opportunity to talk about the program and the great players," said Hickman.

Hickman outlined Forrest's accomplishments as well as the team 's accomplishments for the past season with a 23-7 record and recording division play. She described how these records are accomplished with hard work and with players who never stop aiming higher like Forest.

"It is essentially a 12 month program," said Hickman as she described that the school lets the students off in July from practices and preparations yet, many continue to follow up their skills at camps and in competition during July and other times.

Forrest spoke about the many tournaments and camps she will be playing out during July and beginning of August. She had just completed successful basketball clinics at the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University Clinics.

"I know I have to continue to work hard all year round because someone out there is doing the same to be the best," said Forrest.

Of course, Hickman's program is not just about creating great basketball players, she also aims to build solid citizens.

"Outstanding citizens and great basketball players are the aim of our program," said Hickman.

With this approach, she works not just their bodies but their minds as the program uses one day a week to examining winning characteristics and attitudes.