Evan Massey is a former Galesburg High School girls basketball coach and a regular contributor to WGIL.
The Galesburg softball team is off to a nice start to their season. They are committed to working to turn the softball program around. Coach Andrea Sampson has brought energy and enthusiasm to the program.
I had a chance to ask some serious and some not so serious questions, so we might get to know them.
Mavery Bland — Freshman, Third Base
Sports hero
Jackie Robinson
Walk-up song
“Headlines” by Drake
Dream game finish
Hitting a grand slam to win the game.
Hockey, football, sky dive, or race car driving?
If I could, I would like to play football.
Three adjectives to describe Coach Sampson
Determined, funny, and athletic.
Best quote or advice
“Next play mentality.”
Evelin Guel — Junior, Shortstop
Walk-up song
My walk-up song is “Unwritten” and I chose it because I had a lot of positive memories behind it that I’ve decided to carry on from my freshman year until now.
Dream game finish
I would say my dream finish to a game would be laying down a perfect bunt to bring in a winning run because I think that it shows how everything is played as a team in the game of softball.
Hockey, football, sky dive, or race car driving?
I would really like to try hockey because the only times I’ve ice skated I’ve loved it and it would be cool to do it competitively.
Three adjectives to describe Coach Sampson
Determined, team player, and ambitious.
Best quote or advice
“Talent is nothing without dedication.” This quote has impacted me to prove how what you work on is going to show in the future but you start with the dedication to become better.
Addy Painter — Junior, Third Base
Sports hero
My cousin Riley Jenkins
Walk-up song
“Shot Callin'” by NBA YoungBoy
Dream game ending
Hitting a grand slam at the end of the inning.
Football, hockey, sky diving, or race car driving?
Football.
Three adjectives to describe Coach Sampson
Outgoing, caring, supportive.
Best quote or advice
Stay up even when you’re down.
Abigail Casey — Junior, Center Field/First Base
Sports hero
Nico Hoerner
Walk-up song
“Greed” by Godsmack
Dream game ending
Hitting a walk-off grand slam to win the game.
Hockey, football, sky diving, or race car driving?
Football.
Three adjectives to describe Coach Sampson
Innovative, adaptable, resourceful.
Best quote or advice
Play for the teammates beside you, not only for yourself.
Hannah Barton — Senior, Catcher/Utility
Sports hero
My sports hero is my dad, as he has consistently supported me through both the successes and challenges of my athletic journey.
Walk-up song
“If You Want It” by Sexyy Red (clean)
Dream game finish
My dream finish to a game would be throwing somebody out at a base for the last out in a big game.
Football, hockey, race car driving, or sky diving?
A sport I would like to try is race car driving. I love driving already and doing it professionally sounds fun.
Three adjectives to describe Coach Sampson
Dedicated, supportive, and experienced.
Best quote or advice
“It’s not who you are, it’s just something you do.” While softball has always been a huge part of my life, remembering this has helped me move on from errors and tough games. It has made me mentally stronger and allowed me to enjoy the sport more, instead of letting mistakes define me.
Avayah Bridgewater — Junior, First Base/Pitcher
Sports hero
Brooke Wells
Walk-up song
“Blame It on the Rain”
Dream game finish
Walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 7th with 2 outs.
Hockey, football, race car driving, or sky diving?
Lacrosse.
Three adjectives to describe Coach Sampson
Energetic, persistent, accountable.
Best quote or advice
Control the controllable.
Mary Moore — Senior, Utility
Sports hero
Montana Fouts
Walk-up song
“Run This Town” by Jay-Z ft. Rihanna
Dream game ending
Hitting a walk-off grand slam.
Football, hockey, race car driving, or sky diving?
Tennis.
Three adjectives to describe Coach Sampson
Confident, passionate, and energetic.
Best quote or advice
“If you play free, mistakes are less likely to happen.”
Skylar Webb — Junior, Second Base/Utility
Sports hero
My dad.
Walk-up song
“Pursuit of Happiness” by Kid Cudi
Dream game ending
Striking out a batter for the last out.
Hockey, football, race car driving, or sky diving?
Flag football.
Three adjectives to describe Coach Sampson
Encouraging, organized, and adaptable.
Best quote or advice
“It’s so much more than a yellow ball.”
Deonna Stevens — Junior, Pitcher/Utility
Sports hero
My dad.
Walk-up song
“Up Down” by Morgan Wallen
Dream game ending
Striking out a batter for the last out.
Football, hockey, race car driving, or sky diving?
Lacrosse.
Three adjectives to describe Coach Sampson
Talented, understanding, and passionate.
Best quote or advice
“Do your best, forget the rest and don’t worry.” — Coach Heimann
Addison Stanley — Junior, First Base
Sports hero
My dad.
Walk-up song
“Killers” by Chief Keef
Dream game ending
Diving catch.
Football, hockey, sky diving, or race car driving?
Golf.
Three adjectives to describe Coach Sampson
Motivating, adaptable, and disciplined.
Best quote or advice
“You’re only as good as your weakest player.”
Justina Mims — Sophomore, Outfield/Catcher
Sports hero
My grandpa will always be my sports hero, and I will always wear his number (14) throughout high school.
Walk-up song
“A Milli” by Lil Wayne
Dream game ending
Hitting a walk-off grand slam would definitely be something I would love to end a game with.
Hockey, football, sky diving, or race car driving?
I would like to try track because of the mental push each athlete has.
Three adjectives to describe Coach Sampson
Caring, disciplined, and understanding.
Best quote or advice
“Win or lose, none of it matters as long as you had fun and learned something about your outcome.”
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