Editor’s Note: Image above courtesy of VYPE Austin https://www.vype.com/Texas/Austin/basketballs-back-2020-all-vype-austin-6a5a-preseason-team
UMHB women’s basketball head coach Mark Morefield recently said that “the future is bright” for his program. He was not only talking about the immediate future of this season, but next season as well, as he and his staff will welcome what is likely one of the best division three recruiting classes in the country. Hays High School’s Lily Guevara, a 5’10 versatile forward, looks to be a centerpiece of that incoming class, as she is ranked No. 63 in the state by Prep Girls Hoops in the class of 2021.
We caught up with Guevara to discuss her commitment to UMHB, her high school career, and much more.
What drew you to UMHB?
LG: I really loved the campus, Coach Morefield and the program. It is a really great program and I feel like I’ll be able to learn a lot, expand my game and just make new friendships. I’d also like to be a nurse, and I know that the nursing program [there] is one of the best in the nation. Not only do I get to play college basketball, but it’s setting me up for my future as well.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsMy forever dream has officially became a reality. GO CRU!!!!! 💜💛#nationalsigningday #gocrusaders pic.twitter.com/D4ltsDlfWK
— Lily Guevara (@Bask3tball09) November 12, 2020
You committed earlier than most of the commits in this class. What was the driving force behind that early decision?
LG: I think I visited early in 2019, and as soon as I got to the campus and everything, I really liked the atmosphere. The school wasn’t super big, and it was the right fit.
You played five years of varsity high school basketball, starting as a homeschooler with the South Austin Warriors. After your freshman year, you decided to head to public school and play at Hays. What was behind that decision?
LG: The reason why I decided to go to public school was the experience of playing against all these other teams and the experience of playing high-level basketball, and maybe to get more noticed [by college coaches].
How has playing basketball at Hays in a tough 6A district helped you elevate your game?
LG: Playing at Hays versus great competition has helped me elevate my game by playing against top recruits in my class, such as Texas A&M commit Eriny [Kindred], and current teammate Trista Strasser. Playing with great competition has made me mentally, and physically stronger.
Beginning your collegiate career at UMHB next fall, what do you hope to accomplish on the basketball court as a Crusader?
LG: I just hope to expand my game and I really want to be an all-american there. Those are pretty much my only goals so far. I want to be one of the best, and be a leader as well as a freshman. I don’t want to be just average, I want to be one of the best.
Rapid-Fire Questions:
Who have been your biggest role models?
LG: My role models growing up were definitely my parents. I look up to them so much. My mom has always told me ‘nothing is given, it’s earned.’ Surprisingly, I actually wanted to be a cheerleader when I was little. I wanted nothing to do with basketball…. One day after a cheer camp she said ‘Do you want people to cheer for you, or you cheer for people?’ I definitely wanted people to cheer for me and I tried basketball and fell in love with the game & process! With that being said, my dad has also been a huge part in my life. With him being in the military, he has shown me that anything is possible. I love both of my parents so much and I am so thankful for them. A huge shoutout to them!
If you did not play basketball, what sport might you be playing?
LG: Cheerleading
Favorite subject in school?
LG: My favorite subject in school would have to be science. I love learning about how things work. I am currently in Anatomy and by far is my favorite class ever. I hope to major in nursing!
