Athlete Spotlight is sponsored by Card & Associates and the Pacers Athletic Center. After winning more than 15 championships, versatility and talent has become undeniable for Oak Trace Elementary fourth-grader Roman Whitaker.
A multitalented athlete excelling in basketball, baseball and football, Whitaker has honed his skills at top-notch facilities like the Pacers Athletic Center (PAC), Westfield Basketball Academy, Westfield Youth Sports Inc. football, and the Indiana Bulls.
With basketball at the forefront, Whitaker started out playing for Primetime Boys Basketball in the spring of 2021, and playing year-round at the PAC facility for the past 3.5 years. He is now making strides with Grand Park Premier (GPP) on the 2033 Red team.
“My proudest accomplishment was making the Grand Park Premier team,” he says. “There are a lot of great players that try out each season, and I was excited when I earned a spot on the team.”
Team chemistry plays a major role for Whitaker, as he’s developed a team bond just as much off the court.
“I have some really awesome teammates,” he says. “We have been playing together for a while now and have built great friendships over the years.”
Whitaker credits his on-court performance to Coach Braden Heil, who has led their team to success with three Spring/Summer League championships, three Fall/Winter League championships, five tournaments with GPP, and a Back-to-School League championship.
“Coach Braden definitely pushes me to do my best,” he says. “He has built up my confidence by encouraging me to shoot the ball more, and to trust myself. Although he pushes all of us to get better and stronger each week, he makes all of our practices fun. I really enjoy the 11-man drill.”
The passion and drive are not limited to game-time competition for Whitaker, as his favorite moments occur during practices, and the environment it creates for him and his teammates.
“We had a jersey day for practice where everybody wore an NBA jersey, even the coaches,” he says.
The engaging atmosphere at the PAC pushes Whitaker to improve.
“Steph Curry is my favorite basketball player,” he says. “He is an amazing shooter and always works hard to succeed. He has struggled like anyone else, but is always determined to come back better and stronger, and I try to remember that when I struggle.”
Whitaker’s inspiration for the game doesn’t just come from the professionals.
“I grew up watching my big brother play,” he says. “I would always be at his practices and games, dribbling on the sideline hoping that I could play like him someday. We are a competitive family, and I wanted to compete like him and have success.”
Mirroring what he’s always seen through familial competition, Whitaker gives appreciation to his parents for always cheering him on regardless of the sport, and to his unwavering coaches who have helped instill his drive.
“Coach Braden and coach AJ are always encouraging me to push myself and to do my best,” he says. “If I ever get frustrated, they push me to believe in myself and work through it.”
As Whitaker continues to grow and develop as an athlete, there’s no doubt that his dedication and hard work will lead to even greater achievements in the future.
