Sodek Leads Surging Flatonia

Flatonia junior Summer Sodek is a superstar on the basketball court and has led her team to the state quarterfinals, averaging 25 points a game in the postseason.

She’s almost always the team leader in steals and assists as well.

The Lady Bulldogs are 29-4 and have won 13 in a row.

“Summer’s just a junior but she is a great leader for us out there,” said Flatonia head basketball coach Bethany McLeod. “She’s an awesome kid. I get to teach her in Pre-Calculus every day as well. She’s really smart, sweet, funny – an all-around good person.”

We’re proud to honor Sodek as this week’s Fayette County Athlete of the Week. Here’s our interview with her:

Y’all have won all three playoff games very convincingly. Talk about how this team is playing right now.

“We are just playing really well together we support each other and just have a lot of energy on the court. Continuing to win games is our biggest goal right now.”

You have an interesting first name, Summer. Is there a story about why you are named that?

“My mom is a teacher and she always says that’s her favorite time of the year because she doesn’t have to work.”

If you were writing a scouting report about Summer Sodek as a basketball player what would you say?

“I would want someone to say I was a good team player, I pass the ball a lot and am a good rebounder.”

What are some of your other interests or activities other than basketball?

“I spend a lot of time on basketball, I’m not going to lie. But I also enjoy volleyball, track and I go to church, pursuing my relationship with Christ.”

Do you have any athletes you look up to?

“I look up to my brother (Duke) a lot. He works harder than anyone I know. He’s a good athlete. I look up to him.”

Your dad Chris is a state-championship winning coach. Your uncle is a basketball coach in Fayetteville. Your older brother Duke was a great player for Flatonia. Talk about what the sport of basketball means to your family.

See “Ever since I was young, I was pushed to pursue basketball. I’ve been around it a lot and I really enjoy it.”

You once won a state free-throw contest by sinking 25 consecutive free throws. What’s the most free throws you’ve ever made in a row?

“I would say a little over 30. I shoot free throws probably every day of my life, so I work on them a lot.”

Which teammate is the fastest? Kalen Scott, she’s injured. I really wish we had her. We have a lot of fast players but I would say Elzah (Herrera), Dani (Vinklarek) and Jalee (Trussell).

Which teammate has the prettiest jump-shot? Allie (Uzzell) has a really good jump-shot. Dani (Vinklarek) does too. I think everyone has gotten a lot better.

Which teammate is the funniest? Dani (Vinklarek), we always have a good time and laugh together.”

Are you already getting some college interest?

“I have some interest from a couple of D-II schools Right now I’m just focused on doing the best I can for this team.”

What do you want to do when you grow up?

“I would like to play basketball in college. Just get a good job and just see where I go from there.”

What do y’all need to do to keep winning in the playoffs? “Our biggest thing is owning the boards, getting a lot of rebounds and pushing the ball and continuing to play hard and better.”