Marissa Varnado has been playing basketball her entire life.  Her journey started at a young age, when she would practice with her older brother’s team.  Marissa has been an active baller since her first official game in first grade up to making Varsity her freshman year here at the Prep.

Marissa’s inspiration stems from her teammates whom she always finds “hard working and devoted.”  This drive is represented accurately in their 1-1 record for the season in the IAAM division.  In a recent game, Marissa relishes in their close win over John Carroll, a sworn rival since the 2010 championship game.  This win can only be credited to their impressive teamwork and the leadership shown by team captains, Claire Ford, Morgan Bracken and Blake Smith.  They always make sure to start games off with a team meeting accompanied by bananas and peanut butter.  This close knit, family-like atmosphere is what bonds the team together and welcomes their newest members, Shane Devine and Gil Eby.  “Both are very talented and excited to play every day,” says Marissa enthusiastically.

This excited spirit seems as if it would die out in the face of such a grueling practice.  A typical practice schedule for this varsity team includes warm up drills closely followed by much shooting and sprints.  To wrap it all up, they end practice with a full on scrimmage.  Unfortunately it seems that not every team functions as well as NDP’s does.  Marissa recounts a time when an opposing player threw a temper tantrum on the court.  During this memorable game, one of the opposing team’s players was called for fouling one of the Blazers.  Enraged by the call, the opposing team’s player went on to yell at the ref.  This was followed by a technical foul against the opposing team, which gave NDP both two free throws and possession of the ball.  Just goes to show that it’s not just the practices that give the Blazers their level “head in the game”.

If you ever stop by to watch a varsity basketball game, you can be sure that Mr. and Mrs. Varnado will also be in attendance.  According to Marissa, they are her “biggest fans” and always push her to do better.  Ever since she was little, their encouragement has spurred her great love for the game.  Both parents have their own basketball experience to help guide Marissa along her journey.   In addition to her parents, Candice Wiggins is a key role model for Marissa.   Candice Wiggins, a graduate of Stanford, now plays in the WNBA and shares her birthday with none other than Marissa Varnado herself.  It’s safe to say that between supportive parents, virtuous role models, and a nourishing NDP environment, Marissa Varnado is making a fast break towards success.