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Kujak A Leader In, Out Of Classroom

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By CLIFF GILL

Tribune correspondent

Published: August 24, 2008

HUDSON - In basketball, much of the scoring emphasis is focused on the 2- and 3-point field goals. Often overlooked is the free throw, worth only one point.

As John Calipari's Memphis Tigers learned in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, making free throws often is critical to a team's success. Coaches say that young players practice shooting free throws less today than a generation ago.

Not Mary Kujak.

Last year, she placed third in Florida's Knights of Columbus free-throw contest. In July, she was crowned the Youth Basketball of America national free-throw champion for 12-year-olds.

"Last summer, I went to the park every day for an hour, to an hour-and-a-half just to shoot free throws," she said. "Like everyone says, 'practice makes perfect.' After practicing the whole summer, I finally got the 'touch' down and can usually make most of my free throws."

For Kujak, going from a good free-throw shooter to a great one required two more ingredients.

"First, my coach, Bonnie Norman, taught me to add a little more arc to my shot," Kujak said. "Secondly, I followed a specific routine. At the line, I tuned everyone out. When the referee handed me the ball, I dribbled twice, blessed myself and said a little prayer, then dribbled the ball twice more. While doing this, I never took my eyes off the basket. The final part is to have a good follow-through."

Kujak's enthusiasm has motivated others to participate.

"Mary and I were part of the Knights of Columbus free-throw contest for three years," said close friend Michelle Mundy. "If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have done it."

In addition to shooting free throws, the 5-foot-9 Kujak excels in other aspects of the game, averaging 12 points, eight rebounds and four steals per game. Norman praised Kujak's work ethic.

"Mary was an all-around coachable athlete, a hard worker, focused both in her shot and on defense," Norman said. "She constantly pushed herself and was harder on herself than anyone else."

To keep improving, Kujak attends basketball camps during the offseason and practices against her four older brothers.

She also captained her former school, Hudson Middle, to the volleyball conference championship. In the third game, a match against rival Seven Springs, Kujak had 15 consecutive aces to secure the victory.

This season, Kujak's transfer to Chasco Middle School is expected to improve last year's 5-5 team. Coach Stephanie Beers intends to play Kujak at middle hitter.

"Mary blocks well and has an excellent hitting technique," Beers said. "She also has a positive attitude."
Kujak has already been accepted by her new teammates.

"We love her confidence and her energy on the court," said Charger defensive specialist Katherine Jacobs. "She helps other players if they get down."

In the classroom, Kujak has consistently received straight A's and has been a participant in Pasco County's gifted student program.

She had the highest math GPA in the advanced math class, has qualified for the school district's science fair each year and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society.
Kujak also is involved in her church's youth group, regularly visiting nursing homes to talk and play bingo with the residents.

"The smiles on their faces makes it worth the effort," she said.

Theresa Mundy, the youth group's coordinator, had high praise for Kujak.

"I have watched Mary grow into a fine young lady with leadership abilities that our youth and parish have benefited from," she said. "I can always rely on her to join in on our community service projects. Mary is special, because I see her put as much effort into her faith as she does on the courts and on the field."

Last fall, Hudson High hosted Toys For Tots.

"The event was going on during basketball season, so the coach and the team agreed to volunteer," Kujak said. "It was a great way to give back to my community, and I was so glad that my whole team was willing to do the same.

"I realize that I have been blessed with academic and athletic abilities," she said. "I have promised myself that I will always try and do my personal best in any situation, for I know, at times, that others are a little less fortunate. That drives me even more to do my best, for God and for others."

Teachers, coaches: If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming In The Community article, contact Cliff Gill at

reportercliffgill@yahoo.com

or (727) 860-4903.

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