Participation in sports teaches life lessons. But if anyone needs any proof, check out Hunter Self, who accepts the challenges with open arms determined to find a way to win.

“I love the opportunity to compete, the chance to win and prove my skill set,” replied the sophomore at Stigler High School. “My only high school sport is basketball, but outside of school, I participate in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a sport that constantly puts pressure on you to win. The cardio required to win carries over to basketball giving me an advantage on the court.”

In addition to the physical demands of competition, Hunter admits that sports help him deal with the everyday decisions in life.

“Basketball teaches me how to be a better person,” said Hunter, who first began playing hoops at the age of five. “I’ve learned how to be respectful to my peers along with how to face daily challenges and be able to handle them.”

And according to Hunter, there’s only one way to achieve your success.

“I strive to be creative and always help others by setting the example for my teammates to follow instead of telling them what to do,” Hunter said with a voice of confidence, “but there’s no substitute for hard work to achieve your goals.”

Hunter, who wears jersey No. 21 when on the court for the Panthers, finds added motivation from the support of his teammates.

“My entire team is encouraging. They push me to do better daily,” he said.

And according to his coach, Hunter’s first priority is helping the team achieve victory.

“Individual numbers are never his first priority, it’s always team first,” said Stigler coach Chris Parker. “Having players with this mindset strengthens the core of our team. As good as he is on the court, Hunter is just as good or better off the floor.”

A member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hunter strives everyday to follow the advice of his pastor at Stigler First Assembly of God.

“Our motto is “Love God, Love People and our preacher, Jason Smith, teaches us how to do that. If you apply that to your daily life you’ll learn to have compassion for everyone,” said Hunter. “That’s by far the best advice I’ve ever been given and that I will ever give.”