East County Athlete of the Week: Monique Schwalbach

Monique Schwalbach is a junior girls basketball guard at Braden River High. Schwalbach, who is 5-foot-2, led the Pirates with 12 points, four assists and four steals Feb. 1 in the Pirates' 52-11 home win over Palmetto High and had 10 points, six assists and four steals Feb. 2 in the team's 54-34 home win over East Bay High. 

When did you start playing basketball?

I started in fifth grade. I was living in Power, Montana, at the time. It is a small town. I went to a kindergarten through 12th grade with 150 kids. I started playing basketball to get more involved in sports in general, to be active. I also ran track and played volleyball but eventually I stopped those to focus on basketball.

What is the appeal to you?

My favorite part of playing basketball is the people I meet through it, both coaches and players. I get to have a lot of those relationships. I also love how physical it can get. 

What is your best skill?

I would say building up my teammates and encouraging them. It's not all about the stats or the points for me. It's about becoming closer as a team and connecting to everyone through a love of the game. This year's team is one of the closest I have been on. 

What have you been working to improve?

There's not one thing in particular that has been a focus. I have been trying to be a better all-around player as well as a leader. I feel like the sophomores and freshmen look up to me. Some of them had never played the sport before joining the team. I have tried to be a good role model for them. 

What is your favorite memory?

It's not quite a memory, but comparing where this team was when we played our first AAU tournament in the summer to where we are now, it's amazing how far we have come. We were still learning the game back then. Now, we're actually using everything we have learned on the court. So I like looking back on that time. 

What is your favorite food?

Hot chips. I try to fight the addiction but it's hard. I really love them. 

What is your favorite TV show?

I love 'One Tree Hill.' It is an older show so not everyone has seen it but I like it a lot. 

What are your hobbies?

Outside of school and basketball I work a lot at Smoothie King. I enjoy it. The work environment is good and I am able to be flexible with my schedule. I appreciate that.  

What is your favorite school subject?

I think English is my favorite. I am not a math person at all. I don't enjoy numbers. English is the opposite of all that. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Don't give up on your dreams no matter how big or small they are. Keep pushing toward them and work hard. 

Finish this sentence: "Monique Schwalbach is …"

… Unique. I think I bring a little bit of everything.