WHEN A LION is preparing to make its kill, it coils and springs into a fierce sprint. The speed is punishing, as the lion’s need to successfully eat far overpowers anything in its way. Arella Guirantes can relate to that innate need. It’s what drives her each and every day to succeed.
“It’s either me or you,” Guirantes shares with SLAM.
It’s just that mentality that’s guided the New York native her entire career. From a high school standout at both IMG Academy (FL) and Bellport High School (NY), to leading Rutgers to their NCAA success this past season, Arella has utilized her competitive mindset to get her to this point as she prepares to enter the next phase of her career: the WNBA.
It all started at a park in Long Island. Before there was Rutgers and high school stardom, Arella used to go to the park near where her dad and grandfather worked. As the sun was setting after a long day of work, the guys would play fives all night long, and Arella was mesmerized.
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