by By Dan Ninham
Leeschelle Sohappy, 14, is in the ninth grade at Federal Way HS. She also plays AAU basketball with Lady Unity in the off-season.
“I am Muckleshoot and Yakama,” said Leeschelle. “My Indian name is Tei-Pum and is my great Grandmothers name that was passed down.”
“My mom used to take me with her when she played in basketball tournaments and leagues,” said Leeschelle. “She also put me in sports at a young age. My older brothers used to play sports as well, and I’ve been around sports my whole life.”
“I have many championships, and all star and most valuable player awards,” said Leeschelle. “I also got the top performer for all three days at the Duel for the Dynasty and made first all team.”
“We took the native elite championship in Las Vegas March 15, 2020 with Lady Unity,” said Leeschelle.
“My pops Andre Lea Pleasant is my mentor,” said Leeschelle. “He influences me by pushing me to keep going harder. He has taught me everything I know. He has always believed in me even when I don’t believe in myself.”
“She’s a hard working young lady who’s first to practice and last to leave,” said Andre Lea Pleasant. “She’s very crafty with the ball. She also has the ability to make her teammates better. She is a joy to be around! Her future is bright.”
“My trainer Quincy Wilder influences me by pushing me to get to the top,” said Leeschelle. “He always sees the good in my game and the not so good in my game and that’s why we work harder to train. We work on my weaknesses more than my strengths.”
“Every time I mess up means I need to push harder, and it’s okay to mess up in training because that’s how we all get better,” added Leeschelle.
“I’ve been training Lee for a couple years now,” said Quincy Wilder. “She has all the talent that girls at her age aren’t able to do all the things that she can do. She is able to go left and right being able to shoot it. She is a perfectionist and hates not being able to do something so she puts the time in until she masters the move whatever task or move is ahead of her.”
“I tell her all the time that she’s one of the most talented girls. She’s always going to be challenged because of how talented she is so she has to stay ready, no days off, keep perfecting her craft because it’s always somebody working and they want your spot.”
“Leeshelle is a very good young player that has great potential that can shoot the ball very well,” said Dom Williams, trainer. “Very aggressive on offense. Plays well with her teammates. Great work ethic and always wants to be in the gym.”
Photo Credit: Brandon Lopez
