LEADERS Spotlight: Rafa Ledesma

1. What does being a Leader mean to you?

Being a leader means that you have to be able to motivate others and be willing to put in the work to help others and yourself. Being a leader means that I have to work hard so I can be relied on to help my team win games in whatever way possible. By working hard, I must be at all practices and games and give my all. I must also do extra on my own time outside of team practices.

2. What’s your favorite part of being a leader?

My favorite part of being a leader is that I get to help and teach others how to be a better basketball player or person. In games I saw that when I do things that help my team win like get rebounds and defend my teammates see this and they usually follow what I do.

In my Asian League team I used to be the only one that tries to get offensive fouls from other teams. Now I can see a few of my teammates are able to get these calls. I like to rebound a lot and I used to be able to get easy baskets from offensive rebounding. I have seen that my teammates have started to get easy shots from offensive rebounding.

3. How has EMA helped you become the leader you are today?

EMA helped me understand how to become a better leader and how I am able to help others. I have been in EMA for around six years and in my first three years, I was always required to play the right way which means that I have to play well and be strong but also remember about my teammates and not just think of scoring for myself.

4. What’s the best thing you’ve learned at EMA?

The best thing I learned from EMA was being able to handle tough situations. For example I am having a bad game and not making many shots. EMA taught me how to deal with this situation by encouraging myself that I will be fine and try to find other ways to help my team.

EMA taught me how to quietly talk to myself in positive ways so I do not lose energy and motivation during games when things are not going well for me.

Coach Gumbs and Coach Andrew have always emphasized not to react with negative words and reactions. This has helped me a lot because I remain focused in the game and many times I have seen that the other team or player that tries to frustrate me ends up being angry that I don’t react.

5. How do you show up as a leader on and off the court?

I am able to show up as a leader on and off the court by supporting others if they are struggling and trying to help them reach their goals.

6. Who are some leaders that you look up to and why?

Some leaders that I look up to are Steph Curry and Draymond Green. I look up to them because they encourage their teammates even if they are having a bad game.

They also try to help out the younger players on the team by giving them advice and tips to be able to become a better player and to help the team. They both put in a lot of work to be the best at what they do.

For Steph, I look up to him for offense and leadership, while for Draymond, I look to him for defense and leadership.