By Derrick Smith

Throughout an athlete’s career, they have numerous people that they look up to as role models. A majority of high school student-athletes have a few professional athletes that they look up to, usually ones that play the same sport as them. Brailey Houseman says that there are a couple that she looks up to.

“Dirk Nowitzki and Candace Parker are two players that have made a big impact on me,” she said. “I like them because they seem to play for the love of the game rather than for the money and fame. Plus, they are really talented basketball players.”

Houseman, who is a junior at Little Axe high school, competes in multiple sports for the Indians. She usually plays wing on the basketball court, but she is able to play any of the five positions on the court. She also runs cross country and track, and also will be trying out for golf in the spring. 

Brailey has put in a lot of hard work to be the best that she can be in each of her sports, but she says that a physical attribute gives her an edge on the basketball court. 

“My height helps me a lot,” she said. “But I also put in a lot of extra time to get better and to better understand each sport that I compete in.”

As a multi-sport athlete, Houseman has enjoyed making a lot of great memories over the years, but she says that there is a moment that she considers her favorite of her career. At least up to this point.

“I hit a game winner in an AAU game,” she recalled. “That is a moment that I will never forget. I am hoping that my biggest highlight is yet to come.”

Another thing that Brailey enjoys besides sports is riding horses on her family’s land. 

“My family owns horses and I’ve ridden horses since I was too young to remember,” she said. “So I’ve been active in rodeos and shows for years. That has always been a huge part of my life and is very important to me.”