RALEIGH, N.C. — There is a common belief in the sports world that high school athletes should play more than one sport. The idea behind that is learning versatility and translateable skills that can improve chances to continue playing at the collegiate level.
Wakefield High School sophomore Quinn Pope is one of those multisport athletes hoping to compete at the next level.
The Wakefield girls basketball player has had a ball in her hand for as long as she can remember.
“I kind of liked playing sports when I was younger, like, all the time. I didn’t really like playing with girly things. I don’t know if you’d say that, but I kind of always like playing with soccer balls or footballs,” Pope said.
So it was no surprise that when high school came around she’d gravitate to a couple of sports. She’s now the Wolverines’ starting point guard with a big gap to fill. Pope is only a sophomore and is leading the 2025 state finalists, hoping to push the program to new heights.
“It’s stressful. It’s big. I feel like the biggest thing is just stepping into their shoes and trying to go back to states because I know a lot of people from last year left, and it’s definitely a new team, but I feel like we can still do it,” Pope said.
The underclassman is no stranger to big stages. Just this fall, she led the Wakefield flag football team to a state title as the starting quarterback. In her first season, Pope was named the first-ever North Carolina Player of the Year by MaxPreps for flag football, after throwing for 3,400 yards and recording more than 70 total touchdowns.
“I feel like being the quarterback on the field definitely helped me with being a point guard on the court. When you’re a point guard on the court, you definitely have to read where everybody is to make sure you pass good. On the field, when people are doing certain routes you need to know where they are on the field and if they’re open or not,” Pope said.
That kind of insight is an asset for any multisport athlete, especially when it comes to college recruiting. Pope already has a Division II basketball offer, but she hopes to turn that into more opportunities to play at the next level.
“I’ve kind of always wanted to play basketball when I was younger in college. It’s kind of like my dream to play,” Pope said.
But does it actually pay off in the long run to play multiple sports or should student athletes specialize in what they’re best at?
According to Next College Student Athletes, a recruiting company, college coaches value multisport athletes because they’re mentally tough, versatile and competitive. NCSA helped more than 31,000 students secure college commitments in 2024.
Wakefield varsity girls basketball assistant coach Cam Scott agrees. He says he’s seen it first-hand with athletes he’s coached.
“It draws a lot of attention. If you’re doing flag football, it helps with footwork, being physical. So, definitely, college coaches look for it. And you know just kids that you know take care of the body, you know understand that grind,” Scott said.
In the meantime, Pope is focusing on the sport she’s currently playing and reaching her goals.
“I just feel like I still have to keep working hard, like no matter what, especially this year and next year are going to be big for me,” Pope said.
The point guard and the Wolverines look to return to the playoffs next month with the high school girl’s basketball regular season wrapping up in mid-February.
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