By Sierra WIlliams
Sports Editor
Balancing school and athletics can be difficult, especially when participating in multiple sports. Junior Camille Mills was able to find this equilibrium as an All-Area Daily Breeze First-Team selection for girls basketball and as a top performer on varsity track and field.
Basketball has been an important part of Mills’ life ever since she started playing when she was five years old. At Mira Costa, Mills is the starting point guard for the varsity basketball team and is part of the track and field team.
“As a dual athlete, Camille proved herself as an all-around performer, not just a basketball player or track star,” former basketball coach Miranda Biteler said.
As a freshman, Mills tried out for the Costa basketball and track teams. She was successful enough to be placed on the varsity team for basketball and track.
“I planned on being a varsity basketball player but did not think I would get a starting position my freshman year,” Mills said. “I was expecting to move up on the team over time.”
In track, Mills runs the 100 and 200-meter dash and also competes in the 4×1 and the 4×4 relays. This year, Mills and her teammates broke the school record for the 4×1 with a time of 49.04 seconds.
“Her amazing speed gives her an edge on the basketball court and track,” Biteler
This year, the varsity basketball team tied for first with West Torrance High School for the Bay League title. Mills was the Co-Most Valuable Player of the Bay League. Overall, Costa varsity basketball was the first all-area team for the Daily Breeze and finished in second place in the all-section CIF division for basketball.
“Camille is an energetic team player who helps get the rest of the team excited for a game,” sophomore starting point guard Keilani Ikehara said. “She is a player that everyone enjoys playing with.”
After graduating from Costa, Mills wants to play basketball in college and pursue a professional basketball career.
“Some coaches have expressed their interest in me, but I haven’t received any official offers,” Mills said.
Mills managed to heal from her ham- string injury, which occurred while she was running the 100-meter dash during the 2013 track season.
“Camille balances her sports, academics and social life with high success. She inspires others around her,” Biteler said.
Leave a Reply