Growing up, Kendra Schlabach donned the tools of ignorance on the Little League field, serving as one of very few female catchers ever to play Holmes County youth baseball.

As a basketball player, she manned the point guard spot.

Not surprisingly, both of those positions demand a real presence in leadership, an aspect of the girl called Jake's game that has been evident throughout her career.

When her final game in a Lady Hawks uniform ended on Saturday, March 16 at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, where Hiland fell to Fort Loramie 57-42 in the State finals, the girl called Jake left the floor for one last time. With tears streaming, she hugged head coach Dave Schlabach, a man whom she has said numerous times is like a second father to her.

The hug lasted for what seemed forever, as though Jake did not want this ride to end. The hug showed a great deal of mutual respect between a player whom Schlabach considers one of the greatest leaders he has ever coached in a high school uniform, and a player who believes that her coach has taught her so much over the years, not just in terms of being a player, but in being a person of character.

As Schlabach looks back on her career, she sees plenty of which to be proud.

"It's bittersweet," said Schlabach of her career ending. "I guess I will look back and the wins and losses will be a big part of it, but what it all really comes down to is what the program has taught me as a person, and the memories I have created with my teammates.

"The season is fun, and I love to win, but that other stuff is what I will hang on to. Those relationships are priceless."

Jake said being a leader wasn't always something that came naturally to her. She noted that there were countless situations over her prior three years when her coach would get on her adamantly about being more vocal.

But Coach Schlabach saw that leadership quality in his point guard, and worked at drawing it out of her.

This year, it became evident she had what it takes to lead a great team.

"Once you step outside of your shell you realize how much fun it is to be vocal and passionate about playing and leading," said Jake.

Her leadership both on and off the floor aided her in the ability to be both a calming effect and a fiery leader when needed.

"Kendra is one of the most unselfish players we have ever had in the program," said Coach Schlabach. "We will miss everything about her. She is the spiritual leader for our kids. She has a calming effect. She is also a spaz when she needs to be.

"She is simply one of the greatest leaders I have ever had here in this program. She is so genuine."

Coach Schlabach added that while kids can go work on ball handling skills and hone their shooting skills, you just can't go out and develop leadership. He said it is something that comes from within, and Jake, he said, has that.

"Leadership is always earned, it is never given," said Schlabach. "She has definitely earned her leadership, and hopefully a lot of kids have paid attention to that."