Every successful team seems to have one athlete whose presence steadies the group, raises the expectations, and sets the tone. For Gore senior Emily Daily, stepping into that role has been a driving force behind her final high school season. As she puts it, her focus has been clear from the start: “To be a team leader, to have better confidence, and to handle the ball with pressure.”
Daily has spent years competing alongside the same core teammates, and that chemistry shows. “Our team this year has a high morale. Everyone shows up to practice willing to hustle, play hard, and be better than we were yesterday. Our starting five have played the last three years together and works well as a team, knowing how each player plays.”
Daily believes one reason for this edge is how interconnected the athletes are. “Our team’s biggest strength right now is how this group not only plays basketball together, we also play softball together, and everybody has a knowledge of the game. We are a close team and know how to pick each other up.” She adds that strong leadership from the bench only elevates their potential: “We also have a coach and assistant coach who know the game as well and are eager to win this season.”
As the team’s point guard, her role requires constant awareness. “When reading a defense, I look to see if the other team plays a man or zone… and how well they cover the inside or if there is a mismatch down low because we have some powerful girls down low that will find a way to score every time.”
Her mentality stays simple and firm. “To be the best that I can be, play hard, be quick on defense, and have good communication skills.”
More than anything, she hopes her legacy reflects her character. “I want to be remembered as a good leader, a great athlete, someone with a positive attitude, and someone who gave their all in everything they did.”
Daily knows outsiders might underestimate them, but she embraces the challenge. “Although we are a small team, we are a mighty team. We have a lot of grit and teammates who will never give up and will always give their all.”
Her favorite memory? “When I was selected for the VYPE Top 100 basketball players in the state.”
A 5’5” senior who plays softball and basketball while participating in NHS, Student Council, Gifted and Talented, NSHSS, and Yearbook, Emily Daily plans to attend Connors State College and “pursue a degree in nursing.”
