Tag Archive for: overcoming challenges

LEAVE IT TO LEWIS

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LOWELLVILLE, OH- As her senior year at Lowellville progresses, Morgan Lewis, a multi-sport athlete and cheerleader, shares her experiences and aspirations both on and off the field. In a recent interview on YSN’s player profile series, Lewis opened up about her goals, influences, and future plans.

Reflecting on her senior year, which she describes as “bittersweet,” Lewis is determined to turn her current sports season around and achieve a winning record. “I really want to have a winning season and turn this season around from what we’re doing right now, and I think we can,” she stated confidently.

As a senior with significant influence on her peers and a supportive figure in the locker room, Lewis emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. “I think we just need to go into more games with a positive mindset,” she explained. This optimistic outlook has been shaped by learning from challenges and obstacles throughout her life.

Lewis credits much of her success and positive demeanor to her parents’ unwavering support. Competing in volleyball, basketball, softball, and cheerleading, her parents have been her biggest supporters. “They go to every single game,” she mentioned proudly.

While her athletic ambitions at the collegiate level remain undecided, Lewis is considering a future in teaching, drawn to the idea of nurturing young minds.

Morgan also cherishes the tight-knit community at Lowellville where “everybody knows each other,” and values her teammates whom she considers family. Her younger sister, also on the team, has been a source of mutual support and strength, teaching her to “keep moving forward” and “not worry about the little things.”

Outside of sports, Morgan enjoys leisure activities such as watching TV shows like Outer Banks and movies like Wicked. Her preference for warmer weather and fondness for beach vacations in North Carolina reveal a relaxed side to this dedicated athlete.

Looking ahead, if given a million dollars, she would invest in a three-story mansion complete with a sports room, reflecting her passion for athletics.

Morgan Lewis’s journey through her final year at Lowellville highlights a blend of ambition, familial support, and community spirit. As she looks forward to her next steps, her story continues to inspire those around her.

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FORGED BY FAITH

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COLUMBIANA, OH- In the latest YSN Player Profile episode, host DJ Yokley sat down with Tim Figley, a beloved local figure renowned for his community involvement and positive influence, to recount his remarkable journey and contributions to the East Palestine community.

Tim Figley, whose name is synonymous with the town’s spirit, shared insights into his life’s work, including a heartwarming reflection on his family’s deep-rooted connection to East Palestine. From the family-run Shamrock Inn established by his grandfather to the recent opening of the “Community Lighthouse” center, Figley’s commitment to his hometown shines brightly.

During the 45-minute conversation, Figley attributed his resilience and ability to uplift others to the lessons learned from personal hardships, including a challenging divorce and the loss of his family business in 2008. These events propelled him back into education, culminating in earning a doctorate degree, and later, an impactful career in leadership coaching and community service.

Highlighting the successful year for Bulldog football, Figley expressed pride in the young athletes and emphasized the broader life lessons that sports impart. He noted how his own transition from an individual sports focus, like golf, to recognizing the power of teamwork has informed his approach to both business and personal growth.

Figley’s co-authored book, “The Industrial Athlete Operating System,” was another focal point of the discussion. Celebrated for its innovative perspective on applying athletic mindsets to the workplace, the book recently won the National Association of Manufacturing’s Transforming Business Cultures award.

DJ Yokley praised Figley’s positive influence, recalling personal anecdotes of support Figley extended to his media venture, YSN. Figley’s dedication as the “voice of the Bulldogs” has provided a valuable platform for connecting communities and recording memorable sports moments.

Reflecting on leadership, Figley underscored the principles of vision, resilience, and service, reinforcing that true success lies in the journey, not the destination. As the conversation drew to a close, Yokley extended an invitation for a future episode, underscoring the mutual admiration and respect between the two.

Tim Figley remains a pillar of East Palestine, exemplifying how dedication, compassion, and teamwork can inspire and uplift an entire community.

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PLAYING THE MARKEY GAME

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YOUNGSTOWN OH – As the fall sports season unfolds, Cardinal Mooney High School’s junior soccer player, Abigail Markey, stands out not only for her prowess on the field but also for her leadership in and out of the classroom. Now an upperclassman, Abigail plays a pivotal role on the soccer team, where her experience and confidence shine through. “I feel good knowing that people are turning to me for answers,” she shares. The transition from underclassman to leader has bolstered her abilities, helping her build stronger connections with her teammates, enhancing team dynamics both on and off the field.

It’s not just her teammates who inspire her. Markey attributes her growth to Mooney’s coaching staff. “Our coaches have been tremendously helpful. They’ve really boosted my confidence,” Abigail notes, crediting her ability to stay composed and perform under pressure to their guidance. Markey’s journey in soccer began at a tender age of three, but it was during her seventh-grade year that she felt a deeper connection to the sport. Since then, she has been fiercely dedicated, balancing her passion for soccer alongside a rigorous schedule of academic and extracurricular activities. In addition to soccer, Abigail is Cardinal Mooney’s class president, showcasing her skills in leadership beyond the sports field. She also competes in tennis, swimming, and track, making her one of the school’s most dynamic student-athletes. Despite her packed schedule, she maintains an impressive academic record, taking all honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes.
“I don’t like to do nothing,” Abigail admits, describing her drive to stay occupied and engaged. Her involvement in various sports, including track and swimming, provides a well-rounded conditioning regimen that keeps her in peak physical shape year-round.

Off the field, Abigail finds solace and relaxation in charcoal art and spending quality time with her family. Her faith plays a fundamental role in her life, guiding her through challenges. “When I’m nervous or feel like I did really bad, I just turn to God,” she says, underscoring the importance of her spiritual practices in maintaining her mental fortitude. Abigail’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and multifaceted success. As she continues to evolve both as a player and a person, she remains grounded, never forgetting to acknowledge those who’ve supported her journey. “Thank you to my coaches, family, and friends for always pushing me to do my best,” she expresses gratefully.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Abigail Markey, who embodies the qualities of a true student-athlete, balancing her roles with grace and determination.

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