Shorecrest’s Julia Strand (left) battles for a loose ball with Lynnwood’s Rachel Walsh during a Feb. 13 game at Mountlake Terrace High School. (Ian Terry / The Herald)

Shorecrest’s Julia Strand (left) battles for a loose ball with Lynnwood’s Rachel Walsh during a Feb. 13 game at Mountlake Terrace High School. (Ian Terry / The Herald)

Q&A with Shorecrest High School’s hoops leader Julia Strand

Back from a knee injury last year, she’s everywhere on offense and anchors the Scots’ defense.

Two years ago, Julia Strand was a key player for the Shorecrest girls basketball team in its run to the 2A state championship. Entering last season she was primed for a breakout year, but suffered a torn knee ligament in the Scots’ second game, an injury that sidelined her for the rest of the campaign.

After surgery and rehabilitation, she returned to the court this winter and has flourished, helping the Scots to a 3A state tournament regional berth.

“I’m not so sure she’s not the (Wesco 3A) player of the year,” Shorecrest coach Carlos Humphrey said. “She seems to get stronger every week. She’s becoming a jack-of-all-trades on offense, and she anchors our defense. After sitting out last year, she’s playing with passion. She electrifies everyone around her.”

The Herald recently spoke with Strand about her comeback and off-the-court interests:

What’s this season been like for you coming back from the injury?

Last year was really heartbreaking. My teammates were the No. 1 (reason I got) through my injury. They helped me and loved me a lot. I’m really excited to be back. At the start of this season, I was a little nervous (about her knee), but now I think I’m all in. I don’t think about it during games. I feel that I haven’t lost any speed or quickness.

How would you describe yourself as a player?

Growing up, I was tall, so I was always put in the post. But I’ve gotten a lot better at being aggressive and driving to the hoop. I used to be timid about that. This year it’s one of the best components of my game. I feel I can go inside or outside.

Who’s been your biggest influence on your basketball career?

Jerry Jones. He was our assistant coach my freshman and sophomore years. He really helped me to improve my game. He had leukemia, and he wasn’t supposed to live throughout the entire (2015-16) season. Our team in shambles; going into the playoffs, there were tensions. He brought us out of that. We played for him at that point. A month after we won state, he passed away.

What school activities are you involved in?

I’m (a member of our) DECA club. I work at the student store, and we do community service projects and go to competitions. I’m not sure what I’d like to do for a career yet, but I am interested in business and marketing.

What other hobbies or interests take up your time?

I’m a Young Life leader. Last summer I went to a camp in central Oregon for a week to mentor a group of about 10 middle-school girls. I went to camp for the first time when I was in the eighth grade, and it was such a fun experience. I got close with my leader, and I thought it would be so great to be like her someday. It was cool to have those girls come up to me after our big group talks to share their personal thoughts and ask for help and guidance.

How would you describe your personality?

I can be very outgoing and weird at times, but I’m also a leader. I can be serious and mature, but I’m also fun, and I like to make new friends.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Lake Stevens’ Aspen Alexander shouts after tallying the tying run in a win over Jackson on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep baseball roundup for Friday, April 25

Alexander hits triple, HR to lead another Lake Stevens comeback.

Offensive lineman Grey Zabel participates in a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Seahawks draft much-needed offensive lineman in first round

Seattle GM John Schneider stays at pick 18, drafts Grey Zabel of North Dakota State

Horses dash from the starting gate in the 2024 Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs. This year's Mile is scheduled for Aug. 17. (Photo courtesy of Doug Parry)
Emerald Downs opens Sunday

The Auburn track looks to benefit from California closures.

Lake Stevens’ Julian Wilson runs out of the box on a base knock during a game on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep baseball roundup for Thursday, April 24

A late comeback nets Lake Stevens a key league win.

Michael Arroyo of the Everett AquaSox is surrounded by teammates after his walk-off home run against Vancouver at Funko Filed on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Shari Sommerfeld, Everett AquaSox)
Arroyo hits walkoff homer for AquaSox

The Everett AquaSox defeated the Vancouver Canadians 4-3 in walk-off… Continue reading

Zabel plans to bring farm toughness to Seattle

True to his on-the-farm nature, Grey Zabel was rising early, grinding hard… Continue reading

Prep roundup for Thursday, April 24

Doubles domination powers Kamiak girls tennis to win.

Prep softball roundup for Thursday, April 24

Walkoff single powers Arlington to comeback win.

Prep track & field roundup for Thursday, April 24

Edmonds-Woodway sweeps boys and girls dual meets.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for April 13-19

The Athlete of the Week nominees for April 13-19. Voting closes at… Continue reading

The Portland Winterhawks celebrate scoring during game seven of the second round of the WHL playoffs on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Silvertips reflect on missed opportunity after strong season

Everett’s exit meetings on Wednesday create closure after second-round exit to Portland.

Everett Silvertips’ defenseman Landon DuPont celebrates after scoring during Game 7 of the second round of the WHL playoffs against the Portland Winterhawks on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tips’ Landon DuPont named WHL Rookie of the Year

The 15-year-old defenseman becomes the third Everett player to win the award.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.