The story of a walk-on athlete in the realm of collegiate sports often epitomizes the qualities of perseverance, dedication, and unrelenting love for the game. For Nehita Oko-Oboh (Ottawa, ON), a remarkable young woman and member of the Waterloo Warriors basketball team, this story of persistence inspires her teammates and anyone who dreams of achieving goals against the odds. Her journey from playing basketball for the first time in grade 11 to becoming a vital part of the team's success is remarkable. Now the OUA All-Star looks to conitue to lead the pack for the Warrriors. 

Nehita started playing basketball during her eleventh grade and continued to polish her skills. Despite having a sprained ankle, she traveled from Ottawa during her co-op to try out for the Warriors women's basketball team. Her determination impressed the team, and she was accepted as a walk-on player. As a result of Nehita's rigorous early morning shooting practices and consistent hard work, she has emerged as a frontrunner in the OUA for offensive rebounds and is currently ranked fourth in the nation for rebounds.

There are so many pieces to say about Nehita, and her story is just starting.

Dear Nehita,

Look how far you've come, from a shy little girl who never really wanted to be the center of attention to a twenty-two-year-old varsity basketball athlete playing at the collegiate level; who would've thought? Your unwavering self-belief and dedication to hard work, coupled with your faith in God's plan, have propelled you to heights beyond imagination.

Thank you for your resilience and determination to try out; you didn't let even a sprained ankle hold you back, you didn't let pretty much anything hold you back. Walking onto a basketball team will teach you the true meaning of perseverance. You'll face setbacks and disappointments along the way. You'll wonder if you have what it takes to compete at this level. But every time you fall, you'll pick yourself back up. Every obstacle will become an opportunity to prove yourself, to show the world what you're made of.

As you grow into a more experienced athlete, here's some advice: Don't forget to keep your openness to feedback, consistently attend those 7am open gym times, and approach every opportunity to learn with humility. This mindset will foster growth beyond what you could even imagine.

Above all, cherish the journey. Basketball is more than just a sport; it's a journey filled with unforgettable moments, lifelong friendships, and invaluable lessons. Treasure every practice, every game, every sweat-soaked jersey, and blistered fingertip. Take pride in the progress you make, celebrate the victories, and learn from the defeats. Don't beat yourself up over a missed layup or rebound because the game is much more than that. And through it all, never lose sight of the joy and passion that drew you to the game in the first place.

Again, to that courageous young woman who didn't let her inexperience hold her back, your determination speaks volumes.

Thank you for your decision to always try again.

Sincerenly, 
Nehita