VYPE: Can you tell us a bit about your background, both in terms of academics and sports?

Paisley Qualls: I started playing in the Zion basketball league in 2011 and fell in love with it immediately. I attended Woodall School and then came on to Tahlequah for high school. I’m currently in my senior year at THS and taking college classes at NSU, where I plan to pursue a degree in the medical field.

VYPE: What role do your coaches play in your development as an athlete, and is there a particular coach who has been especially influential?

PQ: As an athlete that has had the ‘injury bug,’ a coach that understands your struggles mentally and physically and is supportive through your entire journey is so important. Coach David Qualls was that for me. It’s relieving to know that you have a coach that has your back and believes in you through all the ups and downs.

VYPE: How has being part of a team influenced your personal growth and character development?

PQ: Sports has taught me so many life lessons. Most importantly teamwork, commitment, communication and mental toughness. I’ve played with some of my teammates from the very beginning of my sports career and I’d do anything for them.

VYPE: How do you balance the demands of academics and athletics in your daily schedule?

PQ: Balancing academics and athletics can be really difficult at times, but I take my competitiveness to the classroom with me which pushes me to keep my grades up.

VYPE: What challenges have you faced in your sports journey, and how did you overcome them?

PQ: Tearing my ACL twice and recovering from the surgeries has been my biggest hurdle. Just when I thought things were going my way last season in playoffs, I tore my ACL again. The setback was difficult but knowing what to expect with the recovery and working with a personal trainer this time around has been a lot easier. Barry Dotson has changed the rehabilitation process.

VYPE: What inspired you to start playing your sport?

PQ: My parents put me into sports at a very young age so it’s all I’ve ever known.

VYPE: Are there any specific rituals or routines you follow before a game or competition to prepare yourself mentally and physically?

PQ: I don’t really have any rituals or routines on game days.

VYPE: Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your high school sports career that stands out to you?

PQ: The championship game of the Verdigris tournament last year is probably one of the most memorable moments, the atmosphere of the gym was like nothing I’ve ever felt.

VYPE: What are your plans after high school?

PQ: After graduation, I plan on attending nursing school then pursue a PA or nurse practitioner program.