Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Leah DuBose

Leah DuBose is a senior on the Booker High girls basketball team. DuBose averages 8.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, according to MaxPreps as of Feb. 15. The Tornadoes (21-7) will play the Academy of the Holy Names (24-6) at 7 p.m. Friday at home for a spot in the FHSAA Class 4A Final Four. 

When did you start playing basketball?

I started in fourth grade. My brother (Noah DuBose) actually played for my head coach's (Ty Bryant) team at the time. I would go to the practices and play in the gym. One day I asked coach why there wasn't a girls team. I ended up practicing with the boys, but a few practices later I brought some other girls with me. Before you knew it, we had created a fifth grade girls AAU team. 

What is the appeal to you?

I love the grind of it. I love the connection that it gives me with my teammates, that spark on the court. 

What is your best skill?

I'm a vocal leader. I pick my teammates up when they're down. Everybody has off games. No one can make every shot or grab every rebound. We have to keep encouraging each other. 

What have you been working to improve?

I've tried to improve my ball handling and confidence. I can't say that my ball handling is great yet. (Laughs.) It's getting there. 

What is your favorite memory?

It has to be winning regionals last year. There was confetti falling down. There were balloons. We got to cut down the nets. That was the first time I had ever done that. But we're going to do it again Friday. 

What does the team have to do to reach the Final Four?

We have to come in prepared like we did (against Gibbs High on Feb. 14). We have to study our opponent and continue to work together and cheer from the bench. We're going to get it done as a team. 

What is your favorite food?

It is either pizza or fettuccini Alfredo. If you're getting pizza, get a cheese pizza from Il Panificio downtown and tell them Leah sent you. 

What is your favorite TV show?

I love 'Grey's Anatomy.' I have watched all 17 seasons six times. Sometimes it's just on as background noise, but it still counts. 

What is your favorite school subject?

I'm a math nerd. I'm just good with numbers. 

Which superpower would you pick?

I want to fly. Travel and plane tickets are expensive. I could go anywhere and at my own pace. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Keep being me. When you face adversity you can't change who you are or how you act. You have to be true to yourself. 

Finish this sentence: "Leah DuBose is …"

A grandma. People might not understand that, but I like to take care of my teammates and put them before myself. I like helping people. So I see myself like a grandma in that way.