Sports Star: Nyasha Irizarry, senior guard, Archbishop Molloy HS girls basketball team

Name: NYASHA Irizarry
School: Archbishop Molloy
Grade: Senior
Sport: Basketball
Position: Guard

Nyasha Irizarry is a senior basketball player on the Archbishop Molloy High School girls basketball team. Irizarry averaged about 18 points per game for her final season and was selected to play in the NYC Mayor’s Cup All-Star game on March 29. She scored nine points in the All-Star game and helped the CHSAA league defeat rival PSAL to win the title “best in the city.”

Irizarry is also an excellent student as she maintains a 91 percent academic average. She earned a four-year scholarship to play Division 1 basketball at Manhattan College in the Bronx. Although Irizarry would like to play basketball beyond college, if turning professional doesn’t work out, she would like to become a veterinarian because of her love for animals. She plans on majoring in biology during a pre-veterinarian program.

During her spare time when she isn’t studying or at basketball practice, Irizarry draws. Although she doesn’t have a theme or specified art style, she draws whatever comes to mind and even takes requests from friends.

How did you start playing basketball?
“I started when I was 8, because of my dad. I played with my boy cousins.”

What do you like to draw?
“I draw whatever I’m in the mood to draw. Or I draw for my friends.”

Why do you want to be a vet?
“I always loved animals and I have them around the house. I have three dogs. I grew to love animals and I think it will be really cool to help them out. They are like family, so somebody there to take care of them for you is really cool.”

How excited are you to play Division I college basketball?
“I’m extremely excited and I can’t wait. When I was younger I didn’t think I would stick for something this long. I just happy it worked out this way and I’m really appreciative of it.”

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