“I’ve learned from basketball, everything in life is earned not given.”
Edison High School freshman Sariah Potts is coached by her father,
Michael Potts, who leads the Fresno Wildcats Basketball Program.
Michael has been teaching the game to his daughter and son, Abram, throughout their childhood. The two siblings are still working together to help each other develop their skills while training with their mom and dad.
Here is FSM’s one-on-one interview with
Sariah Potts:
When did you start playing basketball and who helped you learn it?
I started playing Basketball my fifth grade year. My dad and mom trained trained me and coached me, my 5th – 7th grade year. I started playing basketball on my dad’s boy’s team with my younger brother, Abram Potts. When I began my seventh grade year, my dad and mom said it was time for me to play against girls. I agreed! So my dad had me try out for an all-girl’s team named 24/7. My parents trained me and coached me. When I went to play for 24/7, coach Mu, Tasha Tomlinson took me in and treated me like family. They also helped with my development.
What are some of your most memorable moments from playing basketball?
One memorable moment is competing against the boy’s teams when they thought I couldn’t play. I led my team in points, rebounds, steals, hustling for loose balls and blocked shots . They gave me my respect. Also traveling all over California, Reno, Vegas, etc.
How does it feel to be in a family full of hoopers?
Being from a family of hoopers , everyone is competitive. Me , my siblings and my parents hate to lose. Very competitive Family.
What have you learned from basketball that helps you in your life?
I’ve learned from basketball, everything in life is earned not given. My parents always tell me. Anything that I want out of life. Go get it! No one owes you anything.
It’s obviously difficult for a lot of athletes who can’t play sports right now due to COVID-19. How are you handling the challenge?
COVID sucks, but I still train with my mom, dad and brother. We run hills at Woodard Park. My dad and grandfather-in-law turned our garage into a gym. We also have basketball equipment and a basketball court at home. I’m trying my best to stay in shape and work on expanding my game —continue to develop, improve my jump shooting, create more off the dribble and trust the process.
Are you still able to compete or train at this time?
I played in three tournaments when California opened up and things seemed to be heading in a positive direction. We went 8-1 in three tournaments. When the numbers started to increase with COVID, we stopped competing. I felt it was the right move .
Where are you playing now and where do you want to go next?
I currently play under my dad’s program, The Fresno Wildcats Basketball Program. It’s a program created for boys. My dad started a team for me and my peers. In one month, we was able to build team chemistry and win games and tournaments.
What’s your long term goal in basketball? What other ambitions do you have for the future?
My goal is continue to work hard in the classrooms, earn good grades and hopefully get offered an athletic scholarship. Make it to the WNBA, graduate from college and become a traveling nurse after I’m done with Basketball. Travel and enjoy life.
