For the eighth edition of In the Bullpen with Raja Sandhu, Raja speaks with Jayla Forbes, a junior and member of the girls national basketball team at Montverde Academy. Jayla shares her experience competing at a high level, the mindset required to succeed in an elite program like the MVA girls basketball program, and how basketball has shaped her growth as both a student and an athlete. This interview offers insight into the discipline, confidence, and work ethic needed to perform at the highest level of high school basketball.

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Raja : What has your experience been like playing on the girls national team at Montverde Academy?
Jayla: It's been a really competitive and challenging experience, but it's helped me grow a lot as a player. Every day pushes me to be better.
 

Raja: How would you describe the level of competition you face on a daily basis?
Jayla: The competition is really high, even in practice, because everyone is talented. You have to bring your best every day.
 

Raja: What is something people don't see behind the scenes of being on a high-level team like the girls national basketball team?
Jayla: People don't see how hard we work every day in practice and conditioning. It's a lot more demanding than it looks.
 

Raja: How do you stay confident when playing against top players?
Jayla: I stay confident by trusting my training and remembering the work I've put in.


Raja: What role does communication play on your team during games?
Jayla: Communication is really important because it keeps everyone on the same page and helps us stay connected during games.


Raja: How do you personally contribute to your team's success?
Jayla: I try to contribute by playing hard, staying focused, and doing whatever my team needs.
 

Raja: What is one part of your game that sets you apart from others?
Jayla: I think my effort and energy set me apart and I try to impact the game in many different ways.
 

Raja: How do you bounce back after a tough performance?
Jayla: I just move on and learn from it.
 

Raja: What is your favorite part about being on this team?
Jayla: My favorite part is competing with my teammates and getting better together and our team environment is really strong.
 

Raja: How do you stay focused during long practices or intense training sessions?
Jayla: I stay focused by reminding myself why I'm here and what my goals are.
 

Raja: What is the most competitive practice you've been a part of?
Jayla: Probably one where everyone was competing at a really high level and no one wanted to lose.
 

Raja: How do you build trust with your teammates on and off the court?
Jayla: We build trust by supporting each other and communicating a lot and spending time together off the court helps too.
 

Raja: What does it mean to you to wear your team's jersey?
Jayla: It means a lot because you're representing something bigger than yourself.
 

Raja: What is one thing you've learned this season that will help you in the future?
Jayla: I've learned to stay consistent and disciplined every day because that's what helps you improve the most.
 

Raja: If someone watched you play for the first time, what would you want them to notice about your game?
Jayla: I'd want them to notice my effort and how hard I play while dominating the paint.

About Raja: Raja is a senior at Montverde Academy and is a member of its baseball team. Upon graduation, Raja plans to attend college where he aspires to play baseball and study medicine.