Michael L. Thompson

Which sport(s) do you play? Basketball

What school do you attend? Canyon Springs High School

How long have you competed and what motivated you to get involved in your sport?  I've been competing in sports since I was four years old. I have fun playing the game regardless of which sport that I participated in.

What do you like most about your sport?  I enjoy being part of a team, but when I compete against older and more experienced players that get my Adrenaline going and makes me a better player.

What is your favorite sport to watch on TV and why?  I enjoy watching College and Professional Basketball.

Who is your favorite athlete or person you draw inspiration from?  First and foremost, there are alot of great athletes out there that I love and have followed for years, but my parents have been the biggest inspirations to me. They have inspired me by encouraging, coaching, and participating in my everyday activities. It is because of them that I have been able to excel in basketball and life.

Do you think that being an athlete helps or hinders you with your academic studies?  Being an athlete has definitely helped me in school with my academic studies. Being a team player on the court has helped me be a team player in the classroom. Hard work on the court has helped me be more successful not only in my own studies, but also I have found myself pushing my friends to reach their own potential.

What is the biggest challenge for a student/athlete? The biggest challenge being a student/athlete is maintaining the balance between student and athlete at separate levels. I have created alot of structure and discipline with the help of my parents in order to maintain a high GPA as well as play hard and be there for my team.

Do you plan on pursuing your sport at the college level?  Absolutely. However, academics are a priority to me. Although, I love and have been fortunate to excel as I have with basketball, I want to pursue all of my dreams and reach my goals with education. If I can do that playing the sport I love, it will be even better.... a dream come true. Therefore, if I was given the opportunity to play on a team for an amazing College with an established basketball organization, I would jump for it. I have had a few dreams since I was a very young boy, to obtain a full scholarship to fulfill my degree in Sports Medicine, become an NCAA player and drafted into the NBA in hopes of becoming a great legend of the game. All are exciting and definite challenges, but with my will power and dedication, I know it's possible. Reaching these goals would be a huge accomplishment that I would be most proud of.

Please list any accomplishments you are proud of achieving in your sport:  I was noticed as the top 50 freshmen player nationwide of the class 2011. I attended a Pangos All-American Camp and was recognized as #57 out of 100, which I was only 1 of 5 freshmen that attended the camp. I have been announced to become 1 of the High schools underclassman with abilities projecting to possibly make the ESPN 100, the ranking of the top 100 prospects in the country of class 2011.

**Fun Questions**
Do you have a favorite saying?  "Hard work pays off"
What is your favorite food? My favorite food is Chicken
Favorite show on TV? The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air
Favorite movie? Next Friday