Some athletes are gifted in multiple sports, and when they develop an interest in different aspects of each one, they ride the waves and figure out the most effective balance to excel in both competitive avenues. Sanai Baker is no exception to this, as she’s shined as both a track and basketball star for Old Saybrook.

The girls’ basketball senior captain and forward has been playing hoops since fifth grade, and it was the influence of someone very close to her that sparked her initial interest.

“A lot of it came from my dad, because he played in high school, college, and professionally,” Sanai says. “I grew up around it, my brothers played, and my mom loves to support and watch. It felt natural to get into it, and when I moved to Old Saybrook in fourth grade, all of my friends encouraged me to start.”

With a willingness to learn and constantly continue to get better, Sanai quickly adapted to the competitive nature of playing on the high school circuit. Because of this, she has proved to be a threat in multiple capacities on the floor, something Old Saybrook girls’ basketball Head Coach Steve Woods appreciates about her.

“Sanai came into our basketball program a bit on the meek side, but with great motivation and a desire to learn our program, and work hard on improving fundamental skills in all facets of the game,” says Woods. “She has progressed dramatically over the course of her career, and was an absolute stalwart last season when we were without any seniors. Sanai's game is a great balance of steady offense, exceptional defense, and always a factor rebounding the ball on both ends on the floor. She is almost always assigned the opposing team's best player as her task in each game, and it has paid off with significant dividends in our vast improvement last season! Sanai can also put up good offensive numbers in any given game, and her confidence is peaking just at the right time in her career this season.”

Sanai is one of two captains on the team this winter, and notes that her experience playing basketball can be fundamental in leading her squad mates as they try to navigate a competitive schedule.

“I think that since I have been playing for so long, that is important to have a good leader on your team. I have seen a lot and I know some of the important responsibilities that I have,” says Sanai. “What I need to do to is ensure the team is working well together, and that there is always positivity. Also, cooperation is key to ensure the team and everything works smoothly.”

Woods attests to the motivation Sanai shows to bring out the best in her teammates, mentioning that she doesn’t give anything less than 100% on a daily basis.

“She works very hard on both individual skills and team fluidity on offense, aggressive and frenetic defense, breaking pressure and applying pressure, and is a great role model for younger players,” Woods says. “She will demonstrate how to handle success and manage a defeat if one comes along, which helps her team understand that a season is a marathon not a sprint, and that when you compete, you will either win or learn, and never let negativity and bitterness make you lose. Sanai pours herself into every contest positively as she has matured, and into every challenge, which is all a coach can hope for from his leaders.”

Not only is Sanai a star player and leader on the basketball cirucit, but she is also a member of the Rams outdoor track and field team, where she provides the same type of value to her fellow runners. Having become a runner in sixth grade, Sanai brings a wealth of knowledge to her fellow teammates on the track.

“Track has become more prominent in my life, as it is a longer season and takes more time,” says Sanai. “I am a sprinter and a hurdler, and compete in the 100 meter, 200 meter, and 4x100 relay. The end of last season, I started competing in the 4x400 relay and the 100 meter hurdles, as well.”

Sanai’s experience has certainly become evident, as she has achieved a variety of accolades throughout her tenure. She was named All-Conference, All-State, All-New England, and All-American as a sophomore and a junior. She also currently holds the school record for the 4x100 meter race.

Old Saybrook outdoor track Head Coach Pete Capezzone has seen loads of improvement from Sanai since he started working with her during her freshman year, explaining that she wasn’t afraid to take on new challenges and try new events.

“She has progressed quite a bit, sophomore year she really strengthened her skills as a sprinter,” Capezzone says. “As a junior she came on as a hurdler, and finished strong there and in the relays. She was All-American two years in a row, and her times have really come down. Hopefully they come down even more this year.”

Because of the way the schedules align and the time of year the sports are played, Sanai heads right from the basketball court to the track. As a result, she constantly has to prioritize her health, and make sure she is fully able to make the transition when the winter turns to spring.

“A lot of it is just making sure that I dedicate enough time to it, but not so much where it is overwhelming,” Sanai shares. “There are points in the season where I do get overwhelmed, however, I have learned to keep a steady schedule and put extra time in. Later on in the season, when we are preparing for States and All-New England’s, there is less practice time, and we are focusing on the 4x100s. I have to decide when I am going to put in my individual work outside of practice for the other events I compete in.”

As Sanai stays locked in on basketball season but thinks ahead to the spring campaign for track, Capezzone looks forward to Sanai stepping up into a big leadership role, and helping her team as much as she can. Sanai is looking to continue to compete at the collegiate level for track, and is still deciding which school will be the best fit for her.