By Katie Vasquez
It’s back to school for students like Josie Pinnock, but unlike many in her grade, this sophomore at Christ the King high school had an unusual summer.
She took a trip to Paris, France but it wasn’t a European Vacation.
The basketball player was one of only ten girls from around the world to compete in the Jordan Brand “Our Turn” competition facing college level athletes while still in high school.
“I got to meet a lot of new people, a lot of new faces. and I got to play really good competition,” said Pinnock.
She represented the entire east coast of the U.S. and was featured in a billboard outside Madison Square Garden.
“That’s the only thing I love to do. Just play basketball,” said Pinnock.
Unfortunately Josie lost in the semifinals but it hasn’t slowed her down.
“It was tough losing, but at the end of the day, I still made it there. and I should, that should be something I’m proud of,” said Pinnock.
It’s an accomplishment that the principal who also happens to be her uncle can’t help bragging about.
“As a principal, it lets you know that we’re doing the right thing at Christ the King, right? we’re letting her grow athletically. We’re letting her go academically. As an uncle, I’m just extremely proud that she’s able to accomplish all those things and keep her grade point average,” said Christ the King High School Principal, Joseph Arbitello.
The Queens student has three more years of school to work on her game and she wants to make every second count.
“You can’t get your head like your head get big or whatever. You just got to keep working,” said Pinnock.
With a dream of eventually playing professionally for the New York Liberty team.