Newcastle’s Ziyah Sims
By Trina Walker
Ziyah Sims has played basketball for as long as she can remember. Growing up in an athletic household she learned from an early age the value of putting time and effort into a sport.
Now a junior, she plays for Newcastle High School. Her NHS Racer team is like family.
Her favorite part about being on a team is being around people who are positive and who hold you accountable.
The accomplishment she is most proud of is making it to the state tournament with her team. Sims considers this to be her favorite memory so far of playing basketball. Hard work and effort have built her skills on the court but more importantly, Sims has learned to appreciate those skills.
“Don’t take the game for granted,” she says, “and stretch really good before each workout or game because you never know what could happen to your body.”
Sims is inspired by her parents. No matter how tired they are, their priority is being there for their daughter.
“My mom and dad are hardworking parents who do whatever they can to make me happy in basketball and happy in general. I want to thank my mom for being my first-ever coach to introduce me to this sport,” said Sims. “I am thankful to my mom and dad for putting in all the money and time into the AAU practices and being my number one supporter. I also want to thank all my coaches and personal trainers for helping me through the journey.”
When asked what advice she considers the best to follow, she replies, Philippines 4:13.
“I can do all things through Christ in the Lord who strengthens me.”
Sims takes her favorite subject in school very seriously.
“Math. You got to know how to count your money and I don’t play about my money!” she exclaims.
Sims is multi-talented. She is a singer and danced growing up. She also loves spending time with family. Her first cruise to Mexico with the people she loves is the best vacation she has taken. Sims’ ultimate goal after high school is to play Division I in college and study to become an OB-GYN.
