Ada Choate – Heber Springs
Every successful program has a player who quietly raises the standard for everyone around her, and at Heber Springs that player is Ada Choate. The versatile guard-forward brings toughness, poise and a relentless work ethic to a team intent on making a leap this season. She embraces the dirty work, cuts hard without the ball and consistently makes the extra play that does not always show up in a box score but often swings momentum.
Head coach Spencer Gay sees Choate as the heartbeat of the Panthers and does not hesitate to put that into words. “Ada is one of the hardest workers this program has seen,” Gay said. “She’s the type of player who will make sacrifice after sacrifice if it gives the team a better chance to win.”
Choate’s leadership style is rooted in action more than speeches. She continues to search for ways to expand her game, whether that means tightening her handle, improving her range or taking on the toughest defensive assignment. Teammates know she will hold herself to the same high standard she expects from them, creating accountability throughout the roster. As Heber Springs eyes a breakthrough year, Choate’s willingness to do whatever is needed — score, defend, rebound or simply dive on the floor for a loose ball — has left the program clearly better because she has come through it.
