Eastland’s Tatum Grim Shines as Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week

Tatum Grim, a senior at Eastland High School, has been named the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week following her impressive performance at the Forreston tournament. Grim was recognized as a member of the all-tournament team after scoring 17 points in a crucial victory over the Cardinals. This achievement contributed to Eastland’s strong start to the season, with a current record of 7-1. The Cougars’ only setback came against the undefeated Stillman Valley team.

Eastland’s head coach, Nicole Brinker, praised Grim for embodying the spirit of the Eastland girls’ basketball program. “She shows up every day and to extra workouts. She works hard, she hustles, she listens, and is an all-around good kid,” Brinker noted, adding humorously that Grim might be “too obsessed with Legos.” Brinker emphasized Grim’s adaptability, stating, “She will take on whatever role we need her to make our team successful. Tatum is such a fun kid to be around.”

Grim’s selection as Athlete of the Week comes after an online vote, highlighting her growing influence in the local sports community. In a recent Q&A, she shared insights into her journey in basketball and her aspirations for the season.

Passion for the Game

Reflecting on her introduction to basketball, Grim attributed her passion to her mother, who coached her from a young age. “I think what drew me into basketball was my mom. She loves basketball,” Grim said. She began playing at the YMCA in first grade and continued under her mother’s guidance until junior high. “She taught me how to play the right way and pushed me to become a better basketball player,” Grim explained.

When asked about her favorite aspects of the sport, Grim emphasized the importance of teamwork. “We don’t play as individuals; we play for each other. Each one of us is there to pick one another up,” she shared. She acknowledged that basketball has taught her resilience, stating, “You can’t be perfect. You aren’t going to make all your shots, and you are going to have a bad game. But you go into practice the next day and work hard to get better.”

Team Dynamics and Personal Growth

Grim has identified scoring as a specific strength this season, crediting her efforts to improve her shooting speed. “I have been working really hard at getting my shot off faster, and it shows,” she said. Additionally, she has focused on enhancing her free throw performance, believing that her success is partly due to extra practice sessions on Sundays.

With Eastland’s strong start, Grim expressed optimism about the team’s potential. “We are playing very well together, but I know we can build on our early success,” she noted. The synergy among teammates has been evident, with players eager to support each other on the court. “All of my teammates have bought into the team concept,” Grim remarked. “Each one of us is looking to make the extra pass to get each other involved in the offense.”

One of the standout moments for the team this season was their narrow victory over River Ridge/Scales Mound, a challenging opener that ended with a score of 39-36. Grim highlighted this game as a significant achievement, stating, “We knew going into the game that we needed to work hard to beat them, and we did.”

Looking ahead, Grim draws inspiration from renowned player Caitlin Clark, admiring her confidence and smart play. “I strive to try to be like that,” Grim said, emphasizing the importance of mindset in sports.

Beyond basketball, Grim is also active in volleyball and softball. She participates in various school organizations, including FCCLA, Student Council, and NHS. When asked about her future, she plans to attend Highland Community College to major in business after graduation.

As the season progresses, Grim remains focused on her goals, both individually and for the team. With a strong work ethic and a commitment to teamwork, she is poised to make a significant impact on Eastland girls’ basketball.