East County Athlete of the Week: 12.13.18

Spencer Mauk is a senior guard on the Lakewood Ranch High girls basketball team. She had 21 points, five rebounds and five steals in the Mustangs' 53-32 home win against Palmetto High Dec. 6. 

When did you start playing basketball?

When I was 5. It was one of those things where my parents (Chris and Jodi Mauk) had me try a bunch of different sports and basketball was the one that stuck.

What is the appeal to you?

The memories and friendships you make while playing with a team. It is great to see all the hard work during practice pay off with wins. 

What is your best skill?

Defense. I love playing man-to-man and getting in people's faces. The game is more fun that way. 

What has been your biggest challenge?

My hearing. I was born with hearing loss in both ears (Mauk wears hearing aids). Sometimes I miss play calls, so I have to make sure I am looking at my coaches and my teammates when they are talking to me. 

What are your goals for the season?

For us to continue to play as a team and hopefully win the district tournament. I would like to go farther than that if we can. 

What is your favorite food?

Smoked turkey. I do not eat a lot of food, so that is it for me. 

What is your favorite movie?

'The Incredibles,' the original one. The second one is pretty good, too, but the first one is the best. 

What is your dream vacation?

Going to Australia and attempting to surf. I am not very good at it. 

What is your biggest fear?

This is going to sound weird, but it is being close to water towers. I am always afraid they are going to explode. They are just not my thing. 

Finish this sentence: "Spencer Mauk is ... "

... Funny. I get that a lot. I think I am funny. I make my friends laugh, so I hope they think I am funny.