Alyssa Sandquist cherishes her status as a senior captain for Grant.
A four-year varsity starter, the senior guard is thriving in the role too.
“I get to finally be a leader on the court,” Sandquist said. “It’s nice to lead. I love the sport.”
The 5-foot-9 Sandquist, who is a three-sport athlete, said it’s even more special given her family background. She has three brothers and a sister, but there is a big age gap. Marty is 37, Tony is 35, David is 34 and Natalie is 28.
“I love them and look up to them all,” Alyssa Sandquist said. “They taught me how to play.
“Tony would go out in the street and throw a football for hours with me or to the softball field. I would fight with David, so he made me tough. Marty was a protective big brother and loving and made me feel safe. Natalie is my built-in best friend. She’s always comforting when I need her.”
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Alyssa Sandquist’s father, Dave, said she benefited from having so many older siblings.
“When she was little, we had natural built-in babysitters,” he said. “Tony did a lot with her.”
Dave Sandquist noted Alyssa’s childhood was different in several ways.
“She was like an only child, but not an only child,” he said. “She looked up to everybody. She’s a little more spoiled than them because it was easier not having four grouped together. At one point, we had two in college and her in day care.”
As Alyssa Sandquist nears the end of her high school career, she is playing consistent basketball, averaging 11.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals for the Bulldogs (7-10, 3-3).
She hit four 3-pointers to finish with 20 points against Northern Lake County Conference rival Wauconda; she recorded 22 points, eight rebounds and five steals against Johnsburg; and she had 21 points, including five 3-pointers, and eight rebounds against Wilmot.
Grant coach Andrea Weaver said Sandquist has improved in several aspects of the game.
“She’s really come out of her shell,” Weaver said. “She stepped into her role as a senior and really pushes herself and her teammates, which takes us to the next level in games and practices. She brings it with her hustle. She’s having a really good season.”
Sandquist is a standout guard, according to Weaver.
“She’s our best shooter and has become our backup point guard,” Weaver said. “She sees the floor so well and is really in control of her game.”
Grant senior Abigail Hobbs said she has seen Sandquist’s growth on and off the court in the past few years.
“Alyssa leads our team by always being transparent,” Hobbs said. “She isn’t afraid to speak up in our huddles and always gives us feedback when we are struggling. She’s also very positive and keeps our spirits up every game.”
Sandquist said the team means a lot to her. She considers it to be part of her family.
“I moved here when I was 8,” she said. “I didn’t have anything to do and didn’t make friends that fast, so my dad signed me up for basketball. I hated it. I cried and went home. But I’m glad I tried out for the team because your team becomes your family.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.