Not a lot of people are lucky enough to find their passions in life, but Sugar Bear basketball player Savanna Walker was able to find hers at the young age of five years old.

It was love at first sight, “Ever since my first day of practice, I’ve never put the ball down. The love for the game pushed me to continue to do it,” Walker said.

It is no mystery that athletics has influenced Walker in a huge way. It has pushed her to move from her home state of Georgia to Arkansas.

Additionally, Walker, a senior preparing to graduate, plans to carry her passions for athletics into her future career. Currently a psychology major, Walker hopes to become a sports psychologist at a division one school. With this career, she intends to help athletes to “enhance their performance and achieve their goals.” A possibility of coaching may also be in her future.

Some people may be in sports for notoriety or self-fulfillment, but Walker’s motivation stems from a more personal place.

“My little brother is the one that pushes me. Everything I do is because of him,” Walker said.

This motivation and the reminder that greatness does not come all at once—rather, it is a progression—keeps her focused.

“The best piece of advice I’ve gotten is ‘you don’t have to be great to start but you have to start to be great,’” Walker said.

This is Walker’s second year at UCA and as a member of the Sugar Bears. Starting her college basketball career at East Georgia State, she transferred to the University of Central Arkansas. The welcoming environment helped her with this decision.

“The family atmosphere made me decide to come to UCA. It was everything and more,” Walker said.

As a senior, Walker plans to make every moment on the court count.

“Considering that this might be my last time picking up a basketball, my goal for this season is to take every day in and enjoy every game like it’s my last,” Walker said. “I’m looking forward to every game this season. Every game brings a different challenge.”

Walker keeps her hopes high for her final season. “This season has definitely been unordinary and one to remember. The season hasn’t been perfect but things are definitely turning around,” Walker said.