Whether Taylor Hvisdak is sinking a three-pointer or acing a test, her sense of accomplishment remains consistent.
"I get so excited. I keep all of my grades," said Hvisdak. "I make sure they are all intact."
Her grades are great. She boasts a 4.0 grade point average and is in line to share class valedictorian honors.
"I have the family support at home. They make me do it," said Hvisdak. "I know I have to do it, and I have to get it done in order for me to grow and succeed as a person."
On the court, she's a four-year letter winner, averaging 17 points per game as a junior, but she makes her success on the court look easy compared to what she's dealt with off the court. Her sophomore year ended with a broken wrist. Her junior year she tore a knee ligament in the opening round of the playoffs.
"I learned how to handle those situations and become an adult and learn how to grow from those situations because bad things happen to people," said Hvisdak. "You have to learn how to overcome them rather than dwell on them."
Proof of that came in the regional finals last year when she still played with the injury. Although the Rockets came up just a big short against Shadyside, Hvisdak still managed to score 14 points.
So far so good as a senior. She recently eclipsed the 1,000-point mark for her career. She and three other talented seniors are hoping to lead the Rockets to a fourth straight appearance in regionals.
"We put in a lot of new plays. We have a better attitude knowing this is our last year," said Hvisdak. "We have the mentality we are going to go all the way no matter what."
Taylor is also a cheerleader, member of the marching band, National Honor Society, Italian Club, Future Teachers of America, S.A.D.D., and student council.
