By Amanda Scurlock for Los Angeles Sentinel
Originally published May 7, 2026
King/Drew senior Xeniya Anderson is captain of the Golden Eagles girls’ basketball team. She led King/Drew to a 23-9 overall record and a 12-0 Coliseum League record.
Anderson helped the Golden Eagles to the regional semifinals in the CIF Division III State tournament this season.
“We know each other on a level where we know how to talk to each other a certain way,” Anderson said. “I know how to talk to them if they’re feeling down or when emotions are high in the game.”
Anderson began playing basketball during her 10th grade year. She was also competing in softball at the time. Coming to understand basketball was a challenge for her.
“Seeing how my teammates younger than me were so much better and my skill level was lower than that,” Anderson said. “I knew I had to work harder and be on my time.”
As a softball player, Anderson competed for three seasons. During her junior year, Anderson had a batting average of .467. She also earned 19 runs, 20 RBIs and four home runs.
“I definitely loved it. I think going into sports, it helped me meet new people,” Anderson said. “I came to the school not knowing anybody and it helped me come out of my shell.”
Coaches taught her the importance of holding herself accountable.
“It’s on me if I don’t work hard,” Anderson said. “They can only do so much … It’s up to us to execute it.”
Anderson understands that being a student athlete means showing consistent effort in every endeavor. Time management skills are a key quality.
“It means having great balance in your life with school, sports and outside life,” she said. “Sports is definitely a commitment, school is definitely a commitment.”
During her junior year, Anderson helped the girls’ basketball and softball teams to the playoffs.
“I was definitely nervous,” Anderson said. “I just know I have to push my hardest and give it my all.”
Outside of academics and athletics, Anderson is involved with the Wellness club, Girls Girls club and the Women’s Leadership Project. With the Wellness club, Anderson teaches her classmates how to manage their emotions.
Through Girls’ Girls club and Women’s Leadership Project, Anderson aids in creating a safe environment for girls and other marginalized communities.
“For Women’s Leadership Project, one of my teammates from my freshman year of softball introduced me to it,” Anderson said. “They helped me learn about things happening in our community that’s not on the news.”
Anderson aspires to attend college, even if it means she does not have an athletic scholarship.
“I don’t mind if I play sports in college or not,” Anderson said. “But I definitely want to keep up my athletic ability and stay fit.”
