By Derrick Smith
There are moments in all of our lives that are special to us for different reasons. Whether it is a milestone in our lives or an accomplishment, we remember these times fondly. High school athletes are no different because they can have big moments throughout their career that are important to them. Abbey Stamper says that a moment that happened early in her varsity career is still her favorite.
“The highlight of my career took place during my freshman year,” she said. “We played Ardmore in the Ada Tournament. It was a great team win and I was excited to be a part of it.”
Stamper is a junior at Collinsville High School. She plays shooting guard and point guard on the Lady Cardinals’ basketball team. Stamper started playing basketball when she was in the second grade and says that it has taken a lot for her to become the player that she is today.
“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to become the best player that you can be,” she said. “But you also have to take pride in everything you do, no matter what the situation.”
Collinsville head girls’ basketball coach Janson Hightower says Stamper is an outstanding part of the team.
“Abbey is a great scorer and an all-conference player,” the coach stated. “She averaged 13.1 points and two assists per game last season, and she is expected to make a bigger impact this season. She has a good chance to be first team All-Conference this season and could be one of the better guards on our side of the state in Class 5A.”
Stamper has had a number of people that have been a part of her life and helped her become the player and the person that she is today. But she says that there are two people that have had the biggest impact on her.
“The biggest influence on my life is my brother,” she said. “He always pushes me to be the best version of myself that I can be. Another is coach Clark. Coach teaches sports medicine and is also our athletic trainer. He is my favorite teacher because he makes light of every conversation and can put a smile on everyone’s face.”
Along with playing sports, Abbey is also a member of the National Honor Society.
