Since the second grade in el- ementary school Rita Kristine Ken- joian has been playing basketball.

She was inspired to play because “My big brother, playing with him and seeing him play” Kenjoian said.

She has been playing for eight years and the time and effort has paid off. Only being a sophomore, she has become a key factor on the team and named co captain of the Birmingham Community Charter High School (BCCHS) team. 

“What helped me develop the way I play was playing in middle and for an outside league,” Kenjoian said. There are also many things that the athletes do to keep up their game such as practice hard on the week- ends and during their own time. “I also play during the weekends to get some extra practice,” Kenjoian said. 

She was able to move up to var- sity during her freshmen year dur- ing the playoffs at a crucial time. Kenjoian is an impressive basket- ball player but it isn’t her only ambition. “I also like volleyball and I think I might join the team at Birmingham,” Kenjoian said. 

Kenjoian has also faced some trouble during one of the first games with getting benched by her coach for some unknown reasons. She also had a starting record of 0-7 and she has had trouble getting to her sixth period class (basketball) on time when the school does not open the gate on time With these obstacles though, she is able to get the support needed from her other co-captain. Despite the distractions of be- ing a co-captain of the varsity team, she is still able to maintain a GPA of over a 3.0.