Janelle Kearney
Janelle Kearney is a star basketball player at Diamond Ranch High School in Pasadena, California. Kearney averaged 11.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game during her junior year and was named Player of the Year. I spoke with her about her success and how her father continues to impact her life.
Q. How did you feel when you were named Player of the Year?
A. I felt really good. I was really thankful to God and my family. It feels good to have your hard work pay off in the end.
Q. Who got you interested in basketball?
A. Definitely my dad. He’s a big sports fan. He taught me how to dribble and how to shoot. He encouraged me to look into high school basketball. He really pushed me. I’m thankful he did now. I’m really thankful to him.
Q. How influential has your father been in your life?
A. My dad is by far the most influential person in my life. His encouragement is the reason I’m good in athletics and academics. He taught me to never quit and he’s a big reason for my success.
Q. Is your father emotionally involved at your games? Does he behave like a “soccer dad” or in your case a “basketball dad”?
A. My dad is very calm for the most part. (she chuckles) He might yell a little from the stands-like encouraging things. He’s not the crazy fanatic at all.
- Janelle’s dad, James, Kearney
Q. Is there one piece of advice that you’ve never forgotten? From your dad or your coach, etc?
A. Give it your all every game because you never know which game will be your last game. I give it my all. I always give it 110 percent
Q. Have you decided on a college yet?
A. No. My Dad and I are discussing different colleges. My Dad is advising me on how to contact different colleges, how to conduct myself.
Q. Fun question: When you were younger, did your dad ever try to do your hair? Was he a good stylist?
A. (she chuckles) Thankfully, I always had my grandmother there to do my hair. He’s braided my hair once, but it didn’t end well. (she chuckles) So, I restricted him from doing my hair. Yeah, thankfully I had my grandmother.
-Ashley Rachel
