Alena Cofield started her high school basketball career as a joke, but she soon developed an affinity for it and is now starting for Neshaminy girls basketball team, writes the Bucks County Courier Times.

“My friend and I were looking for activities to join freshman year because we kept hearing how important it was to build a resume for college admissions,” said Cofield.

“We just happened to see a posting from the basketball team looking for new players to come out and my friend jokingly said, ‘Oh let’s try this.’”

Her friend gave up before tryouts, but Cofield decided to continue. At first, she could not shoot or take more than two consecutive dribbles. Still, she was noticed by Neshaminy coach John Gallagher, who has a good eye for raw talent and made the team.

“Her speed was phenomenal,” he said.

Cofield soon started to dominate her opponents on defense and by her sophomore season, she was a starter on varsity.

As a junior guard, she now leads Neshaminy in steals and has even become more involved in the offense.

Read more about Alena Cofield’s rise to basketball notability in the Bucks County Courier Times.

Neshaminy High vs Pennsbury High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball