Tiffany Reyes, 10, Filipina SHS student and talented basketball player, began her basketball career at just 3 years old. Her dad had a big impact on this. “I think what drew me into basketball was watching my dad play professionally back home in the Philippines, and that influenced me to play,” Reyes said. 

Reyes plays for the Philippine women’s U16 and U18 national team, West Virginia Thunder UAA, and the SHS women’s basketball team. 

Reyes found her passion for playing basketball at a young age. “I always loved basketball as a kid, and I think I realized I wanted to pursue it and take it seriously was around 10 years old,” Reyes explained. “That is when I started to play more tournaments and when I was 13, I got the call to tryout and play for the U18 national team. That is when I realized I could really pursue my dreams.”

Every athlete has a defining moment; Reyes’ came on a birthday she will never forget. “My most memorable moment so far in my basketball career is when I hit the game-winning buzzer-beater shot on my birthday to keep our national team in Division A,” recounted Reyes. “That game was really important to me. Not only did we secure our spot in Division A, it was also our first win for U18 and U16 in Division A.”

Reyes exhibits strong Filipino values such as an emphasis on strong relationships and an appreciation for others. Reyes tries to carry these principles with her while she plays basketball. Reyes said, “I have learned to always be respectful and show kindness on and off the court. In Filipino culture, we are taught to treat everyone with care and respect, whether it is teammates, coaches, or opponents.”

Reyes wants more people to know the reality of Filipino culture. “I wish more people understood how kind, respectful, and welcoming Filipino culture is,” she elaborated. “We treat everyone like family, and we always try to make people feel included and cared for.”

Representing the Philippines on the national team is a big deal, “My first time playing for them was last year when I played for the U18 team at 13 yo, and this year for U16,” she said. “It is a surreal feeling to play for the national team, meeting new people from different nationalities and different cultures, creating memories with them, and making history … I am just blessed and grateful for this opportunity to represent my country at this age.”

Reyes is continuing to work hard athletically and to inspire others around the world. “I want to inspire young Filipina athletes to believe in themselves and chase their dreams,” she explained. “With hard work and confidence, they can achieve anything.”