Posted: Jan 23, 2019
Nika Bagatelos has been a four-year varsity player after her call up freshmen season for the CIF State playoff run. She has reset her single-season best for three-pointers and is chasing the school's career three-point mark. Nika hopes to play hoops in college and has talked to coaches at UC Santa Barbara and Chapman. Nika's fun fact is that she loves sports and watches SportsCenter all the time.
What does Holy Hoops mean to you?
"It is the biggest rival game we are going to have. It is the best environment I have ever been in. All the people are supporting or cheering for the other team and the amount of energy in the gym is amazing. It feels like an NBA basketball game. It pumps me up."
What has it meant to you to be on varsity all four years?
"As an eighth grader I did not think I would be part of the St. Francis program. It was awesome getting the call that I was on the JV team and being part of that team with the older girls and then getting called up to varsity and having the experience of the state playoffs. They showed me how hard they girls worked and it taught me what it takes to get there."
What have been your goals for this season?
"For me personally, I want to beat the career record for threes and to keep developing my game inother ways. As a team, working through all the adversity we have gone through I have found that a loss teaches you so much more than a win does."
How do you try to be a role model for your sister?
"Bianka is super athletic and wants to be part of the St. Francis program. She is good at a lot of sports but basketball is her focus. I try to show her how much work you have to put into it and the rewards for putting in that work."
What would it mean to you to break the 3-point career record?
"It would put my mark on the school with what I have done and worked for. Even if I don't break the record, it is a good goal to set for myself and would be a great accomplishment."
What has been your favorite moment?
"During my freshman year, I played spot minutes. Coach Vic put me in the Elk Grove game, which was really competitive team, and I played for one minute at the end of the second quarter and I hit two threes. It was a big deal. I did not play the rest of the game but it was OK because I helped us win. We won by four points."
If you could live in a book, TV show or movie, where would you live: Vampire Diaries.
What animal best represents you: Giraffe.
What is your Greatest Achievement: Making varsity as a freshman.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be: Fly.
If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future: Past.
What's the concert you want to see: Nicki Minaj
What teacher has inspired you the most: Mr. Williams.
Favorite Holiday: Christmas.
Favorite Olympic athlete: Michael Phelps.
Favorite Disney Character: Ariel.
Celebrity you would like to meet: Steph Curry.
What's your favorite dinner: Pizza.
Hero: My mom.
What is on your Bucket List: Sky Dive.
