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

Prep roundup for Thursday, April 3

Freshman Aliana Langsea delivers for Jackson softball.

Everett Silvertips’ Carter Bear on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tips drop Game 3 against Seattle, Bear earns WHL honor

Everett blows 2-goal lead to lose 6-3, trails 2-1 in series; injured forward makes 2nd Team.

Jackson’s Drew Pepin yells after striking out the final batter to end the game against Edmonds-Woodway on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep baseball roundup for Wednesday, April 2

Jackson’s Pepin pitches ‘gem’ against E-W.

AquaSox’s Michael Arroyo makes a throw from second base during practice at Funko Field on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
AquaSox usher in new era with first practice of 2025

The 30-man roster, including eight top Mariners prospects, first took the field together on Tuesday.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 23-29

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 23-29. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Prep softball roundup for Wednesday, April 2

Stanwood’s Addison Anderson dominates Chargers.

Shorewood's Julia Kang prepares to tee off against Mountlake Terrace at Jackson Park G.C. in Seattle on April 2, 2024 (Photo courtesy of Val Patrick)
Prep roundup for Wednesday, April 2

Shorewood golfers edge Mountlake Terrace.

Kaleo Anderson is The Herald's 2024-2025 Girls Basketball Player of the Year. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Kaleo Anderson is The Herald’s 2024-25 Girls Basketball Player of the Year

The King’s junior guard averaged 23.9 points and nine rebounds in a state runner-up season.

Lake Stevens pitcher Charli Pugmire high fives first baseman Emery Fletcher after getting out of an inning against Glacier Peak on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep roundup for Tuesday, April 1

Vikings softball blows out Cascade.

Prep boys soccer roundup for Tuesday, April 1

Snohomish flurry of goals cools Stanwood.

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.