Shipley’s Anna Camden is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

The sophomore forward played a large role in the Gators capturing the PAISAA girls’ basketball tournament title, and she averaged 13.1 ppg, 10 rpg and 3 bpg this season. She already has attracted scholarship offers from a number of Division I programs.

Q: What is your most vivid memory of the PAISAA state championship final against GA?

A: The most vivid memory of that game for me was in the fourth quarter when our senior Yndiah Bobo threw the ball off of a turned defenders back on a baseline-out-of-bounds play for an and one. It  was was like putting a period at the end of a sentence.

Q: What was your first reaction when you heard the final buzzer?

A: When that final buzzer went off, it was both overwhelming and rewarding. Becoming a state champion is something I’ve always dreamed of, and to do it in a year when no one expected it was even better.

Q: What was the key(s) to your success in rebounding and in blocking shots this season?

A: For me, rebounding is just about desire to get the ball and being aggressive in your attempt to do it. With blocking shots, timing is everything, because you can get into foul trouble very quickly but also because it energizes both you and your team, which is essential in close game situations.

Q: You wear No. 11 for Shipley. Is there a reason you chose that number – does it carry any special significance to you?

A: Growing up I always wore No. 1. When I got to middle school I started to admire Elena Della Donne, who wears No. 11 and I thought to myself, “Double one? Sounds good.” I’ve been No. 11 ever since.

Q: Who are your favorite basketball players? Are there any players that you try to pattern your game after?

A: My favorite players are Elena Delle Donne and Brianna Stewart. I definitely try to pattern my game after their versatility.

Q: What is your favorite basketball venue and why?

A: Downingtown West’s gymnasium would probably be my favorite basketball venue because I grew up in that gym. I still remembering going to camp there every summer back in elementary  school.

Q: Where did you get your start playing basketball? Who have been your most important basketball mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?

A: I started playing basketball and fell in love with the game when I was just a little girl. Both of my parents have been strong mentors for me throughout the years but also my trainer Aaron Johnson. He has worked with me a lot throughout the past couple of years and I owe a lot of my game to him. Likewise in a very short amount of time, [Shipley coaches] Alex Lennon and Sean Costello have both become important mentors in developing my game. They are always willing to watch film or put in extra work with me after practice.

Q: What do you think you might like to major in at college? Is there a career path that particularly interests you at the present time?

A: As of now, I would like to major in  broadcast journalism or pre-law in college. I would love to be a sports reporter or lawyer someday.

Q: What extracurricular activities are you involved in at Shipley other than basketball?

A: I am also involved in lacrosse and music at Shipley. I’ve played lacrosse since middle school and I love how the game is both so different yet so similar to basketball. Music is also a passion of mine with singing, piano, and guitar.

Fun facts – Anna Camden

Favorite book: Harry Potter
Favorite movies: Remember the Titans, Pitch Perfect.
Favorite athletes: Elena Delle Donne, Steph Curry.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Run this Town, by Rihanna.
Favorite place to visit- Bethany Beach, Del.
Favorite pre-game meal: Pasta or grilled cheese with banana.
Person I admire most: “Both of my sisters, because they’ve been amazing role models all of my life.”
Favorite color: Baby blue.
Family members: Parents Susan and Tex,  sisters Meg and Heather, brother  John.

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)