HighFIVE: Fran Belibi
The following HighFIVE profile appears in the 2018 Summer issue of Colorado Tennis newspaper.
It probably goes without saying that Stanford-bound Francesca (Fran) Belibi is an incredible athlete. What you might not know is what an incredible human being she is off the court and how seriously she takes being a role model to younger student athletes.
The dual-sport Regis High School incoming senior made national headlines when she became the first girl in Colorado to dunk a basketball during a game (at 15 years-old, no less), even though she didn’t start playing until her freshman year. She made both the U16 (winning gold in Argentina last year) and U17 teams, and was named to the roster of 12 following a week long training camp at the US Olympic Training Center, competing with 158 standouts for the spot. This summer Fran will compete on the international stage, as the U17 national team will be competing in Latvia and then Belarus for U17 World Cup.
But it isn’t just a basketball court that lights up with Fran’s ridiculous talent. She’s also a really good tennis player, taking 3rd at State in No. 3 doubles her freshman year, and qualifying for State at No. 2 doubles her sophomore year. Her junior year she didn’t get to qualify for State at No. 3 singles due to college basketball recruiting trips but she’s looking to her senior opportunity to have her best year yet. Being a dual sport athlete has given her a unique perspective.
“Tennis and basketball are very different sports” she explained, “but they have some similarities. They are both about angles on the court.” She said how you move on a basketball court can be very similar to running to the net in tennis. She also explained the biggest difference is mental.
“Tennis is primarily an individual game. You have to learn how to pick yourself up out there. In basketball you’ve got a whole team to bring each other up when things are going bad. One person can change the entire team dynamic and outcome of the game.”
Introduced to tennis by her father at 4 years-old, she said being the oldest of four siblings gave her one-on-one time with him that was critical. In term of basketball, growing up tall and lanky and watching the game since 8 or 9 years-old helped steer her towards the sport which could eventually prove to be her conduit to a future few can imagine.
“My goal was always to make the Varsity Team,” Fran said. “I never really thought that any sport could help pay my way to college.”
But indeed it will, fulling Fran’s dream since 6th grade to go to Stanford. Fran plans on studying Human Bio and wants to be a medical doctor.
And while Fran’s success with basketball, tennis and academics is both unique and impressive, she wants people to know it’s her strong family bond that has been the key. She is also acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with the notoriety of her talent.
“My mom always said ‘Be Excellent’, no matter what you are trying to do. It’s something I’ve always carried with me,” Fran explained of where she gets the discipline and drive to pursue the highest levels in both athletics and academics. It’s a message she relays to younger student athletes.
“When people come up to me at games and tell me that they look up to me, I want them to know that it’s great to be a good athlete, but it’s also cool to be great in academics. Just ‘Be excellent.’”
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Congratulations to Fran, who’s been in the news lately….
https://chsaanow.com/2018-07-30/fran-belibi-helps-u-s-under-17-womens-basketball-win-gold/
