Makia Lovelace is a junior at Clinton High School. She plays the forward or guard position for the girls’ basketball team. In softball she plays whatever position she is needed in, runs the hurdles and relay in track, and is a member of FCA and FCCLA. 

“Balancing life and school can be tricky but thankfully I have a strong family support system to help me out when I struggle,” said Makia. 

One of the biggest driving forces in her life is her goals, as there are many things she wants to achieve. 

“When times get tough, I stay motivated by thinking about my future goals,” Makia said. “I want to go to the next level and play ball, either basketball, softball, or both. So when things get difficult I push forward because I have worked too hard to give it all up now.” 

Makia grew up around basketball. She first started playing when she was just four years old and her mother coached her team growing up. 

“Most of my best memories come from basketball and spending summers traveling and playing ball with my teammates. It has been so much fun,” Makia said. 

Makia is aware that she is being looked up to and she doesn’t take that lightly. 

“It’s an honor to know that I have people that look up to me, but also at times it’s scary to think about because I don’t want to mess up and disappoint anyone,” Makia said. 

The past year has been challenging to say the least, with athletes having to miss several games and even whole seasons due to COVID, but Makia is still looking forward to what is to come. 

“What I look forward to the most this year is just getting to play, I just want to suit up,” Makia said. “I want to play for my grandma because I don’t know how many more of my games she will get to see, and I know she loves watching me play.”