By Tommy Howard

thoward@gtowntimes.com

NOTE: Kids who play sports are physically active and competitive, by the very nature of what they do.

It's important, though, to occasionally take a look at these student athletes beyond their football, basketball or other sport. We're asking coaches from each of the county's high schools to give us names of a boy and a girl athlete so we can give another glimpse at what they do and how they do it, beyond the bare bones of scoring points.

We're starting this regular feature with Georgetown High School and we expect to continue with each of the schools in the county.

Alyssa Daniel is a junior guard and a captain for the Lady Bulldogs basketball team.

"She's been the heart and soul of the team," coach Joey Smith said.

During pre-seasoning conditioning she pushed the girls who were lagging behind.

"She's also our spiritual leader. She starts every game off with a prayer."

The daughter of Allan and Sarah Daniel of Georgetown, Alyssa is active in her church and such organizations as World Changers.

Why basketball?

She started playing basketball when she was in 4th grade "because my dad really wanted me to play. And, our church (First Baptist of Georgetown) started Upward Basketball."

"I really enjoy it. I went out for the team" in high school. "I didn't know what to expect."

Coach Carla Black, co-athletic director at Georgetown High, "really helped me out. She gave me a lot of pointers. She's one of the main reasons I've kept on playing."

Asked about bringing a sense of spirituality to basketball, she said "I think they all look up to that. They respect it."

"I remind them we need to get it together, be respectful, especially towards the coaches."

"I try to motivate them as much as I can," she said.

Once she graduates from Georgetown High School, Alyssa plans to go to either Clemson or Auburn University. She is considering a major inn either bio-medical engineering or chemical engineering.