Entering her second year on varsity, Tia Tori Thomas has trained hard, building skills and confidence. She says her off-season went well and she’s excited to see how it translates into this season.

Thomas has a few personal goals this year, including earning all-league and building a closer bond with her teammates. But her main focus is simple, be better than she was last year. “I just want to grow overall as a player,” she says.

Most of her off-season work went into driving to the basket. Playing 17U AAU basketball forced her to play differently since three point shots weren’t always open. “I had to drive more, and ended up scoring a lot,” she said. She’s also taking one big lesson from freshman year into this season, “Don’t be scared to shoot the ball. Be confident.”

Thomas knows her role is changing as a sophomore. “Last year I was mostly shooting threes and playing it safe around the corner,” she said. “This year I feel like I need to use all my talents to help my team.” She said success for her this season looks like improving on defense and getting more steals and blocks to match the offense she already brings.

Her favorite part of basketball is how much comfort it gives her. “Even when I’m at my lowest, I can pick up a ball and everything goes away,” she said. Before she graduates, her biggest goal is earning first team All-League. For pregame hype, she listens to “Smoke” by Rio da Yung OG. “The beat and the lyrics get me excited to play.”

With more confidence and a stronger all around game, Thomas is ready to make her sophomore year her best season yet.