WVW star Himlin in Navy now

PLYMOUTH—With an abundance of basketball talent that could have taken her to any number of places, Sami Himlin has decided to spend her college days serving her country by attending the United States Naval Academy.

The 6-foot-1 Wyoming Valley West senior center has won acceptance to the academy and will continue her basketball career at the Division I school, which is in the Patriot League.

“When I stayed there for my freshman visit, I realized how much of a different atmosphere it is and I loved it,” said Himlin. “It’s very structured. Your day is planned out from the minute you wake up until you go to bed.”

Before suiting up for the Midshipmen, Himlin will spend a year attending the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, R.I.

“The purpose is to brush up on my calculus and physics,” added Himlin, who currently holds a 99 grade average at Wyoming Valley West. “A lot of athletes go there just to get an introduction to military life.”

Himlin, 17, is the daughter of David and Gretchen Himlin, of Swoyersville. She was nominated to the Naval Academy by Congressman Chris Carney.

A four-year starter at Valley West, Himlin is one of the most dominant players in the Wyoming Valley Conference. She scored a career high 29 points against Dallas last year, and is currently averages 16 points for the 19-3 Spartans.

Himlin, who recently scored her 1,000th career point, also is one of the top rebounders in the WVC. She averages 12 rebounds per game.

She was recruited by several schools, but Himlin said she has her heart set on the Naval Academy and the five-year active duty commitment.

“It’s a great honor. On top of that, you have a job while you’re in college and for the first five years out of school.”

Himlin plans to major in history or political science. She is undecided about a possible career in the military, but definitely plans to consider it after her five years of active duty.

Perhaps more than anything, she relishes the challenge of become an officer and a leader.

“I think I have leadership qualities,” said Himlin, who is the captain of the Spartans. “You have to do what you tell everyone else to do. If I tell someone to box out, I better do it myself.”

“I see the whole academy as a team. Basketball is just part of a strong support group.”

After graduating from Navy, Himlin would like to serve on a ship or become a fighter pilot. She’s excited about her possible options.

“I can’t believe there are not more high school students that aspire to attend a military academy. It’s something special.”

Valley West coach Curt Lloyd said he’s confident that Himlin will have an impact on and off the court for Navy.

“It all starts in the classroom. The Navy program is getting a great kid who is going to put the time in the weight room, in studies and improving herself in every aspect of the game.”

Himlin has been the cornerstone of the Spartans program during his three-year tenure, Lloyd added.

“Every year, she’s gotten better in every aspect. This year her greatest attribute is her defense.”

He expects Himlin to deal with the discipline that is such an important part of life in a military academy.

“She’s certainly going to learn discipline, which I try to teach all my kids. I want them to take away life lessons—something outside the sports arena.”

Himlin said Crestwood coach Isiah Walker also played a role in her basketball development. Walker is coach of the Firm, a local summer travel team that she has played for since the sixth grade.

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Extras

Spartans senior center will play Division I ball at the Patriot League school.

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