Monet Cunningham is the triple truth, Ruth! Most pre-teens play with blonde hair, blue eyed Barbie dolls or army fitted G.I. Joes. Most pre-teens watch Saturday morning cartoons and draw outside the line. Most pre-teens dress as their parents and hold pretend tea parties. Most pre-teens do not play competitively on a school basketball and football team. Most pre-teens, though, are not Monet Cunningham.

Monet Cunningham, if you have not heard of her yet, is an exceptional athlete; at the age of 13 no less. Monet doesn’t just play one sport competitively, though. Monet is an exceptional player at both basketball and football. And if that doesn’t catch your eye just yet, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the world of Monet Cunningham—Superstar!
Firstly, Monet is not just an athlete. When asked about her inspiration for playing sports, Monet linked it to “doing good in school”. Monet realizes that if basketball is not the way, she can fall back on her education. “I also want to become a lawyer and actress when I’m not playing basketball”. Realizing the time and effort it takes to fulfill this, Monet pays as much attention to school, as sports. Grades come first in the Cunningham family and Monet has her father to thank.

Like most intriguing adolescents, a strong parental connection is usually at the root of success. For Monet Cunningham, this is no different. Her father is the primary reason that she is where she is. “My father inspired me and taught me how to do lay-ups and shoot the ball better”. If only every parent was as involved, we might have a few more Monet’s.

And for the fantasy faithful, Monet does plan on playing professional women’s basketball. With idols like Kobe Bryant and Lebron James, and talent good enough to take her far, Monet is inscribing her name into a WNBA jersey right this minute. And with teams drafting younger and younger, it might not be a stretch to see Cunningham on the back of a jersey.

She’s still young. She still has the rest of her life ahead of her. But if Monet Cunningham ever gets to the point where she has the opportunity to play for a professional basketball team, her name will be known. Monet certainly has the skills to develop, and the mindset for success. And unlike others, Monet is already used to the media attention and privilege associated with her uncanny abilities. And that's the triple truth, Ruth!