By Derrick Smith

Athletes put in a lot of work to grow to become the best player that they can be. While the work they put in is important, they also depend on the support and encouragement of others. Samantha Tracy has a few people that have been pivotal in her becoming the player she is.

“My family and coaches have helped me make it to where I am,” she stated. “They have pushed me and encouraged me along the way.”

Samantha is a junior at Daniel Webster High School. She plays shooting guard for the Lady Warriors basketball team and is also a member of the volleyball team. While she enjoys playing her sports, this is her first year as a member of both teams. 

Webster girls’ basketball head coach Lisa Stout says that Samantha is a great athlete and kid.

“She is the hardest working and most coachable kid I have ever met,” coach Stout said. “She only played basketball because I asked for her help. She’s a natural athlete and has played volleyball, so I wanted her to be a part of our team. She out hustles everyone on the court and is a great example for her teammates.”

As a student at Webster, Tracy has sat through and learned from a lot of teachers. But she says that out of all of them, there is one teacher that she considers her favorite. 

“I would have to say that my favorite teacher is my English teacher, Mr. Stolt,” she stated. “He has taught me a lot of things that are not in the lesson. One of the biggest is to just be myself no matter what is going on.”

Being a newer athlete, Samantha has done a lot to be able to catch up to her fellow teammates. Though putting in work is important, there are other things that have helped. 

“Being faithful to my team and to practice is important,” she said. “So is having fun and enjoying myself.”