Shanti Taylor has been around basketball since she could walk, raised in a family where the sport is a shared tradition. Now a sophomore at Cairo Junior/Senior High School, Shanti is making her own mark as a point guard for the school’s basketball team, known for her determination, skill, and her close bond with teammates. “Basketball is my life,” she says with a smile that reflects her love for the game. For Shanti, basketball isn’t just a sport; it’s a way to build connections and carry on her family’s legacy.

With eleven siblings, all but one of whom have played basketball, Shanti has been immersed in the game her entire life. She recalls being the water girl for her brothers’ teams, watching them practice, and dreaming of the day she’d be on the court herself. “I grew up watching my brothers play. I was always there, passing out water after every practice,” she remembers. Shanti’s family connection fuels her drive to succeed, knowing she’s part of a legacy that spans generations in Cairo.

Shanti’s position as a point guard is no accident. Her skill, quick thinking, and focus make her a natural leader on the court. “I’m mainly the one—the point guard—but I can do a little bit of everything,” she says with confidence. Shanti’s role goes beyond scoring; she’s there to inspire her teammates and keep everyone motivated. Her determination is clear as she talks about her team’s goals. “Our record was decent last year, but this year, it’s going to be even better,” she predicts.

Her hard work isn’t just limited to the court. Shanti’s dedication shines in the classroom as well, where she maintains high grades, especially excelling in math, her favorite subject. “I’ve loved math since first grade,” she shares. Her academic success is a testament to her commitment, balancing her studies and her rigorous basketball schedule without skipping a beat.

Looking ahead, Shanti has big dreams. She’s aiming to play in the WNBA, following in the footsteps of players she admires, like A’ja Wilson of the New York Liberty. Her favorite NBA team, the Los Angeles Lakers, and her admiration for LeBron James fuel her ambition. “I want to make it to the WNBA,” she says, adding that she’s focused on putting in the effort it takes to get noticed by college recruiters. Her work ethic and determination are sure to open doors.

But Shanti’s dreams extend beyond sports. With an eye for business, she’s also considering a future in real estate, envisioning her own agency someday. “I want to own a business and maybe sell houses,” she shares, already planning for life after basketball. Shanti’s ambitions reflect her strong sense of self and her confidence in pursuing multiple goals.

Shanti takes pride in her Cairo roots, describing the town as “powerful” in ways that people outside may not realize. “People sometimes think Cairo is a bad community, but if they came here, they’d see it differently,” she says. For Shanti, Cairo represents resilience and unity—a place where families like hers share strong bonds and support each other.

At Cairo Junior/Senior High, Shanti describes her school as challenging, thoughtful, and, most importantly, safe. “We’re definitely protected,” she notes, explaining how the school ensures students feel secure.

If there’s one way to describe Shanti Taylor, it’s protective—of her teammates, her family, and her community. “I’m trustworthy, intelligent, and protective,” she says, embodying these values every day.

For this determined 10th grader, the path ahead is filled with promise. As she works toward her goals, Shanti Taylor is a powerful example of Cairo’s strength, proving that with focus, family support, and a love for the game, anything is possible.