By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports Report
WAVERLY — Addison Westbrook said the Rochester Institute of Technology "felt like home," so the Waverly senior recently signed a National Letter-of-Intent to play basketball there in a brief ceremony in the high school's learning center.
"When I visited RIT the first time, it just felt like home," said Westbrook. "It's in its own space, and I'm so use to a small town, it's just felt right.
"I'm super-excited to get there, and meet new people," she added.
Waverly basketball coach Bob Kelly has no doubt Westbrook will be successful at the next level.
"She will be successful because of her determination to be the best she can be," said Kelly.
Kelly said there are other reason she'll be successful: "her work ethic, and her attitude and willingness to be pushed, and her commitment to the team.
"She is an outstanding teammate," added Kelly.
Westbrook knows she has things to work on prior to her arrival at RIT.
"I need to work on getting stronger," she said. "And, I need to work on getting faster with my ball-handling, and on my shooting in general.
"Those are definitely things I'll be working on," added Westbrook.
Kelly said she has one key area she needs to address.
"Her ball handling, especially her weak hand needs to improve," he said. "She has many good qualities, but that will make her essential."
Kelly believes Westbrook will bring a lot of intangibles to the RIT program.
"She will be dedicated," he said. "She is extremely coachable. She handles herself well on the court and in the classroom which makes her dependable.
"She’ll work very hard even on those days when she may not feel like it she will get after it.
"She is a fantastic young lady who will strive to be the best she can be," added Kelly.
Westbrook is majoring in Diagnostic Medical Stenography (ultra-sounds, etc.).
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IN PHOTOS: Addison Westbrook at her college signing. ... PHOTOS PROVIDED.
