Photo by Amy Waddington
Taryn Horvath: Coeur d’Alene High School
Taryn Horvath is a 17-year-old senior on the Coeur d’Alene High School varsity basketball team. She loves the competitiveness of both basketball and track and making her school proud through them.
“I love the feeling I get when I run out on the court or on the track and hear the crowd cheering when I make a good pass, make a basket or have a good time on my races! These are the times I am going to miss the most,” Taryn said.
But when a play doesn’t go as well or a basket is missed, they’ve taken a toll on her confidence, and it’s been a challenge for her to manage it.
“I would have it, and I would instantly lose it if I missed a basket or had a turnover. (The coaches) I have this year have made me a whole lot more confident than I have ever been. They have made me realize that I can do the same things that everyone else is doing,” she said.
Taryn now knows that she is capable of playing a great game. She’s learned the valuable life lesson of accountability and not blaming others.
“It makes you a better person on and off the playing field. If you can realize the things you need to work on, and you work on them until they are perfected,” she said.
Taryn plans on attending North Idaho College and preparing for nursing school to fulfill her passion for helping people.
“Other people’s wants, needs and health are very important to me,” Taryn said.
Portrait by Michelle McLuskie
Lauren Rewers: Lake City High School
Lauren Rewers, an 18-year-old senior at Lake City High School, is an accomplished basketball player who is proud to have been coached by her father, a former professional basketball player himself overseas.
“The person I have looked up to most … would be my dad. My dad has taught me to believe in myself, push myself to be the greatest person I can be,” Lauren said.
His teaching has paid off. She was on the Inland Empire First Team All-League last year and has played AAU with the Northwest Blazers, winning five National Championships and First team in Tennessee, Georgia, Texas and Arizona.
Lauren had a tough start to her high school athletic career when she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) her freshman year. It took a toll on her both physically and mentally. However, she learned how she benefits from the game.
“Basketball is my escape and allows me to let go and have fun. I love the competition and challenges it brings both mentally and physically. I like being part of a team, to help celebrate each other’s accomplishments, and the ability to win together,” Lauren said.
Next year, Lauren plans on attending the University of Hawai’i and play basketball there and will study elementary education or graphic design.
“I am very thankful for the support that I have from my family, coaches and friends. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them,” Lauren said about her teammates.