Leading by example and positivity, senior Callista Rochon-Baker has left a huge mark on players and coaches over her years as an athlete. Being a two-year captain of the basketball team, Rochon-Baker has not only had an impact on her actions as a person but also by her achievements on the basketball court. She recently reached the 1,000 point mark, something only a handful of basketball players have achieved. Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Kenisha Phillips has seen Rochon-Baker grow over the years into the leader and player she is today.

“From the moment I met her, I knew she was a natural leader and someone that loved to play the game,” Coach Phillips said. “She wasn't afraid to try new things and do things she wasn't comfortable with to get better and improve her game.”

Senior and teammate, Ella Tigert has seen Rochon-Baker’s leadership as a key to a cohesive and well-balanced team.

“She is a great teammate because she is by far the most motivational person I know,” Tigert said. “She can do anything she puts her mind to, and is a great example for me and other teammates to strive to be.”

But with years of growing and being a three-sport athlete, Rochon-Baker has definitely seen growth in herself as an athlete and as a person.

“High school has really opened my eyes to see how creative and unique we are as people,” Rochon-Baker said. “High school has a weird way of helping you recognize how people's opinions of you mean absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things. I'm grateful and lucky to surround myself with people, most of whom I met through sports, who uplift me in every way possible.”

After finishing up her senior year, Rochon-Baker advises future athletes that mentality is key to become a great athlete.

“Everything is a mentality,” she said. “In order to get to where you want to be, you have to make sure your mind is there first, and the rest will follow.”

Coach Phillips definitely sees Rochon-Baker as a role model to future athletes and sees her help young basketball players grow.

“The youth kids love her and look up to her as a big sister,” Phillips said. “She has no problem going out of her way to make them feel special and important. She is someone that is always a joy to be around and a coach’s dream.”

Phillips also praises Rochon-Baker’s willingness to leave everything on the court, a great mindset that many can have in sports as well as in life.

“Her willingness to do whatever it takes to give the team its best chance to win,” she said. “She works hard on her game inside of practice and on her own. She has the ability to raise the level of her teammates to play without even knowing it.”

Rochon-Baker’s hard work and commitment to her team is because of inspiration from family members, who show love and compassion, pushing her to be the best she can be.

“I think both my mom and my grandparents have shown me dedication and how to apply passion in everything I do,” she said. “Not only are they incredible people, but their unconditional support has meant the world to me. Every game, my grandparents would drive three hours there and back to watch me play.”

Varsity Basketball player, junior Reese Lang, sees Rochon-Baker as a great person and athlete, through her leadership and sportsmanship.

“She is such a great person. She literally has the best personality and is fun at all times. Despite having the great drive,” Lang said. “We both push each other to become better athletes. I will miss that so much next year. Working with Cal has been such an essential experience to my skill because as I am pushed to grow towards her level, we both benefit from the growth together.”

By showing her capabilities on the basketball court, Rochon-Baker reached the 1,000 point club, a goal that many have tried to reach, ending with many failures. Rochon-Baker believes this goal is reflective on the team’s unity when playing, not just an individual award.

“I think each year I tried to grow as a player both offensive and defensively, and this year I was fortunate enough to hit 1,000 points,” she said. “Obviously, it's a very surreal feeling, however, it doesn't just reflect my ability to score, but my incredible coaches and teammates who have assisted me in the process.”

With her high school career coming to a close, there are many things Rochon-Baker will find hard to let go.

“I will miss just about everything: the camaraderie with my teammates because we are all very close, the youth programs, and the coaching staff,” she said. “It is because of this place, these people, and the experiences I have had, that will get me to where I aspire to be.”

by Zade Alzoubi

Published March 23rd, 2020

Oshkosh West Index Volume 116 Issue 6

Rochon-Baker ends season breaking records