It’s 2:45 p.m., the bell is ringing and Paradise Valley hallways are filled with students ready to go home, minus one who takes her time packing up because she knows her day isn’t over.

Zoe Lesher takes what it means to be a student-athlete to a new level.

At just 16 years old, Lesher will be attending Stanford for an internship, has earned a spot in the Center for Research in Engineering, Science, and Technology program, and placed tenth internationally in the Future Health Professionals state competition – all while simultaneously playing varsity basketball.

“Zoe is not only a varsity athlete, but a stellar student,” said teacher Michelle Landreville. “She always strives to give her best on the court or in the classroom.”

As outstanding as it sounds, it can also be overwhelming for Lesher. She says finding the balance is the key.

“School and sports are super demanding, especially at a varsity level and while taking honors and AP classes,” said Lesher, “balancing the two means being able to look ahead at my week and planning everything out, sometimes instead of relax or friend time it’s homework time.”

Although Lesher’s plate may seem full, she does enjoy taking a break from it all and spending time reading, biking and showing attention to her new adopted dog, Bruno.

Lesher says it may surprise some but she’s also into fashion and enjoys a little photography as well. So if you don’t find her with a lab coat on or with a basketball in her hand, you may find her with a camera.

Many of Lesher’s support crew has encouraged her and continuously shown her how proud they are of her, including her coach, Brittany Fulk.

“She is a natural leader,” said Fulk, “Zoe will always do the right thing even if it’s not the ‘popular’ thing.”

Fulk has had the ability to watch Lesher play for her varsity team two years now and still gets excited to watch her play.

There is one person in Lesher’s life that she gives credit to for motivating her and being the role model she has to look up to – her mom.

“She inspires me to be the best that I can be,” said Lesher. “My mom didn’t come from much but her drive to succeed led her to accomplish her goals and because of that I look to her as I go through my education and basketball career.”

Lesher’s face lights up as she continues to talk about her mom’s role in her life. She also says because she sees her mom’s selflessness every day it motivates her to continue pushing and bettering herself for her future.

This summer Lesher will have the opportunity to travel to Stanford and attend the Surgical Skills Summer Internship. As Lesher explains the program, the excitement radiates through.

“Zoe isn’t braggadocios,” said Landreville, “she’s a team player.”

Landreville’s comment proved itself to be true by the way Lesher shined the light on important people in her life, and the opportunities she’s earned but never solely on herself.

Lesher is curious and excited for what the future holds, but she knows one thing won’t change and that’s her dedication to being a student-athlete.

“You need Zoe, everyone needs a Zoe,” said Fulk.