PREP SPORTS: 'Never stop trying to get better': Good Hope Lillie McCluskey recaps Raider years

Lillie McCluskey of Good Hope. (Nick Griffin/The Cullman Tribune)

GOOD HOPE, Ala. — Good Hope senior Lillie McCluskey has created many great memories on and off the field during her high school years and in this interview, she shared some of her favorite experiences alongside her teammates and friends.

“Some of the most memorable moments for me include team travel, which fostered lifelong friendships. Sharing moments with my teammates was invaluable. Other happy memories include winning championships. I was fortunate to win varsity, JV and varsity county championships, two varsity zone championships, a regional championship and a state championship. Winning championships and playing with great teammates was an incredible experience. It was so exciting to be a part of a successful team and see all of our hard work pay off. The feeling of winning and celebrating together is something I will never forget. Additionally, we pushed each other to constantly improve and be the best version of ourselves,” McCluskey said. “I learned a lot from my high school basketball experience.” Not only did I learn to develop my basketball skills, but I also learned the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication. Being part of a team taught me how to work together toward a common goal, communicate effectively, and support one another. “I also learned how to handle both wins and losses with grace and sportsmanship. Overall, my basketball experience helped shape me into the resilient and determined person I am today.”

Lillie learned a lot from her coaches and was involved in many memorable games during her career.

“Great basketball coaches do more than just teach the game. They inspire, motivate and push their players to be the best they can be. They provide mentorship and guidance on and off the court. Coaches impact their players’ lives, helping them develop not only as athletes, but as individuals. Over the years and many coaches, I have learned the importance of teamwork, perseverance, dedication, communication and sportsmanship. Their guidance has gone beyond the game and impacted my growth as a person,” McCluskey said. “My favorite games were the region championship, the Sweet 16 game, the Final Four and the state championship game. The region championship was an incredible game because it took the whole team to get that win. The Sweet 16 game is one of my favorites because we were able to finally beat Deshler.” The Final Four is another favorite of mine because we were able to beat the defending state champions by 30 points, which allowed us to advance to the state championship game. The state championship is by far my favorite game because we were able to make history and achieve our goal of winning a state championship.

Winning a state championship with her teammates will be a memory Lillie will cherish for the rest of her life. She also shared some of her favorite experiences from her free time.

“Winning the state title my senior year was an incredible experience. Winning the state title is an accomplishment that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It is also a reminder that dreams can be achieved with perseverance, teamwork, and excellent communication. Winning the state title alongside talented players is not just about the win itself; it is about the bonds and memories created, and the shared journey toward the goal that made the experience unforgettable,” she said. “My favorite memory from high school is winning the state championship and all the celebrations and festivities that surrounded it. Other favorite memories from high school include a senior class field trip, kids basketball camps, the senior slide, and graduation.”

She added,

“The senior class field trip to the Birmingham Zoo was a great experience because I got to spend the day at the zoo with my class. Another memory is teaching basketball drills and life skills to younger children at the kids basketball camps. A few of my classmates and I enjoyed spending half the school day sliding down a slide on the hill in the elementary school playground. My last and final memory of high school is walking across the stage at graduation to receive my diploma surrounded by my family and classmates.”

Good Hope will always hold a special place in Lillie’s heart and she will deeply miss being a Raider.

“Good Hope was a special place for many reasons. The dedicated teachers, extracurricular activities, and the supportive environment of the close-knit community are what makes Good Hope a special place. The dedicated teachers guide their students through challenges, provide valuable life lessons and guidance, while inspiring them to reach their full potential. The extracurricular activities provide students with the opportunity to explore their interests, develop valuable skills, and build friendships. Last, but certainly not least, is the support of the close-knit community. I never realized how supportive the community truly was until I was able to experience the state tournament with the entire community supporting my teammates and me,” McCluskey said. “I will miss spending time with my friends and enjoying school-related events together, like football games and dances. It was also nice to have my schedule set each day so I didn’t have to think about anything.” What I will miss the most is playing basketball, as it was a huge part of my life and brought me so much joy and excitement from a young age. High school basketball was more than just games. “It was about teamwork, competition, and pushing yourself. From early morning practices to all-day games, basketball created an environment that I will miss every day. The camaraderie and friendships made on the court are things I will always cherish and miss.”

She spoke about what she will remember most about her time at Good Hope and mentioned a particular role model in her life that she admires.

“I will always remember the support of the Good Hope community, as well as the support of Cullman County during our run to become state champions. The community has always supported us by supporting us with donations, snacks, meals, and most importantly, attending our games, whether watching from home or being present in the gym. The community support did not end once we achieved our goal of winning a state championship. Instead, the community continued to support us with gifts and more meals while participating in our celebrations. That is something I will always remember,” McCluskey said. “Shaylee Gonzales is my role model in both basketball and academics. Her demonstration of leadership qualities, such as teamwork and dedication, has inspired me to lead others with the same qualities.” She emphasizes the importance of education and time management for student athletes, which motivated me to prioritize my education while pursuing my passion for basketball. Her ability to bounce back from challenges and injuries is something I truly connect with, as I have been through similar struggles. “Watching her adapt and persevere has motivated me to overcome my own challenges and injuries with determination and strength. Additionally, her commitment to using her platform to give back to younger generations has inspired me to do the same within my community.”

Lillie gave some advice to the students who will be starting high school in August. Being a role model for the younger ones who look up to her has always been something important to her.

“High school can be exciting, but also intimidating. That said, it is also a time of learning, growth, and making memories. My advice to students starting high school is to be organized by keeping track of assignments, projects, and important dates. I highly recommend getting involved in clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities because it is an easy way to make new friends, while also creating memories that will last a lifetime. The most important piece of advice I can give is to never be afraid to ask for help. This is something I struggled with, but I quickly learned that teachers want you to ask for help. The last piece of advice I have to give is to always remember to have fun. It is important to enjoy your high school experience, while making the most of every opportunity that is given to you.”

She added,

“Being a role model for young children is essential because they learn by watching others. They look up to older people, which means that our actions have a great influence on their values and behaviors. By being a positive role model, I can inspire them to set goals and strive for excellence. It wasn’t until I noticed the influence I had on young children that I truly understood the importance of being a positive role model. One moment that helped me realize this importance in their lives was when a girl told me that I was her favorite player and that she wanted to be like me. Another example was when a third-grade girl hugged me every day in the school cafeteria. I have had many similar encounters with younger children, and even though I didn’t know any of them personally, they felt like they knew me. It sent me a strong message that my actions are being observed and perhaps imitated by children younger than me. It made me want to be a positive influence for younger people.”

Lillie wants people to remember her for the way she treated others and shared some advice for anyone who wants to be where she is now.

“I want to be remembered as someone who was always kind and respectful to everyone, while trying to help others cheer themselves up whenever I could. I also hope to be remembered as a hard worker in school. It’s important to me to be remembered as someone who listened and cared about others. Volunteering at kids basketball camps was an experience that helped me in a positive way. It made me think about who I want to be. Knowing that younger girls were watching me motivated me to keep doing good things. This experience made me realize how important it is to be kind, helpful, and a positive role model for others,” McCluskey said. “My advice for someone who wants to be where I am today is to keep working hard and never give up.” Always be yourself and never change or try to be someone you are not. Instead of being afraid of challenges, see them as an opportunity to learn and grow. Find a strong support system that can give you advice when you need it. My last piece of advice is to stay positive, always believe in yourself and never stop trying to improve yourself.”