Senior Profile: Anderson leads by example

Her name will seldom be at the top of the scoring column in basketball, nor will she notch double-digit kills on the volleyball court.

But there's no denying that Providence Christian High senior Elizabeth Anderson is a team leader.

"I'm probably not the most athletic, but I know the game," the 17-year-old Orland resident said.

"I could probably be a good coach because I see where we need to do stuff. I see things we do wrong and how it could be fixed."

Her basketball coach, Laurel Cleek, could not agree more.

"She is a very special young lady," her coach beamed. "She's a team leader because she's earned it with her excellent leadership skills. It's also the first time we've had a sole girls captain."

Anderson would have played all four years on the basketball team — which she lists as her favorite sport - except that Providence did not have the bodies to field a team last season.

She played volleyball all four years and has been on the track team for two seasons.

"Basketball is always my favorite, and I could probably do better at volleyball," said Anderson. "I like (basketball because) it's a contact sport and there's lots of running. There's a lot of things that go into it."

She is also realistic about what kinds of goals her teams have when participating as such a small school.

"We approach the games not so much as how many points we score, but as if are we glorifying God by doing our best. Are we giving up or are we fighting."

The example she sets during games and at practices is part of what earned her the spot as team captain.

"She plays hard and she practices hard," Cleek said. "She a huge encourager for the team. Whether she's in the game or on the bench, she's always encouraging. She has the respect of the players, and I respect her as a friend as well."

Of her game, the coach commented, "She is always a real aggressive defender. We get lots of rebounds from her blocking out. She has an innate ability to be where she's supposed to be. She's worked hard to make herself a player, she's a great girl and God has great things in store for her."

Cleek also made sure to add, 'Have I said that I'm proud of her?"

At least one of the things in store for Anderson's future are plans on attending college and pursuing a pre-law major. A 4.0 student on track to be her class valedictorian, Anderson has applied to California State University, Chico, and is also looking at some Christian colleges and universities. "I know what I want to do, I just don't know where I want to do it yet," she smiled.

Anderson enjoys sewing, knitting and crocheting, but said her day-to-day life has plenty to keep her busy. "Once you start with school, athletics and church, that's about all you do!"

With her can-do spirit and cerebral nature, Anderson has been a blessing to her coaches and teammates, and wherever she chooses to continue her education is going to be blessed with her as well.

CONTACT Craig Purcell at 824-1036 or cpurcell@tcnpress.com.