Tag Archive for: personal growth

DINAPOLI DIVING INTO THE DEEP

BOARDMAN OH- In a heartfelt conversation with YSN, Anthony Hartwig sat down with Gina DiNapoli, a spirited senior from Boardman High School, to discuss her illustrious swimming career. As DiNapoli reflects on her journey, she expresses profound gratitude toward her support system, including family, friends, and legendary coaches like Carlo, Mark, and Chelsea. Identifying confidence as the catalyst in her evolution from a freshman to a formidable senior leader, she credits her sophomore year as monumental in embracing her capabilities.

The camaraderie at Boardman is palpable; Gina notes the robust leadership among her peers that alleviates the pressures of her role as a senior captain. This team spirit, underscored by the community that stands firmly behind its athletes, propels Boardman swimmers to embrace an underdog mentality, turning it into an exhilarating drive for excellence.

Despite juggling the academic rigors of high school and college courses, along with participating in track, Gina shines as a beacon of disciplined time management. Her aspirations extend beyond the pool, envisioning a future in physical therapy to remain close to the sports world that shaped her life. With district championships on the horizon, Gina DiNapoli stands poised to leave a lasting legacy, her story a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and passion.

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HAKE’S TAKE; ROAD TO REDEMPTION

YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In a heartfelt episode of the YSN podcast, Andy Hake, head coach of the Mineral Ridge Rams, shared his emotional journey through a challenging five-year period marked by personal mistakes, public scrutiny, and ultimate redemption. Hake candidly recounted the events from 2020 when he used a vape pen at school due to stress and anxiety, leading to a case that has now been resolved.

During the discussion, Hake emphasized the lessons learned from his experience and expressed gratitude to those who supported him during trying times. He highlighted the unwavering support of Valley Christian and the Mineral Ridge community, including a unanimous 5-0 vote by the board of education reaffirming their faith in his abilities as a coach and educator.

Hake acknowledged that moments of weakness are common and should not define a person’s entire body of work. He shared his commitment to serving the kids at Mineral Ridge with renewed vigor and dedication, aiming to be the best version of himself.

As the state released him from the five-year case, Hake expressed readiness to return to teaching and coaching, emphasizing the importance of imparting values such as faith, family, and patriotism to the young generation. His story of resilience and redemption serves as a reminder that second chances are vital for personal growth and transformation.

This candid and inspiring conversation from the YSN podcast showcases Hake’s journey from adversity to redemption, leaving listeners with a profound sense of hope and optimism.

FORGED BY FAITH

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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TURN UP THE UNK

COLUMBIANA OH- As the Crestview High School volleyball season edges closer to its end, few players exemplify dedication and passion like senior Aubrey Unkofer. Known for her fierce competitiveness and unyielding spirit, Aubrey recently opened up about her last season in the latest Crestview Volleyball Player Profile.

Reflecting on her final year as a Rebel, Aubrey described the experience as “crazy” and shared that the reality of her senior status has yet to fully sink in. “I feel like senior night and our last game—that’s really when it’s going to sink in,” she admitted.
For Aubrey, the bonds formed with her teammates have been the most rewarding part of her high school career. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and the supportive environment fostered by their tight-knit group. “It’s honestly amazing. We have the best coaching staff, and all of the girls on the team are just really helpful,” she said. A typical day for the Crestview volleyball team is far from easy. Aubrey revealed the intensity of their practice sessions, which include rigorous conditioning and drills focused on improving their game. This hard work is evident in the Rebels’ performance on the court, making their dominance look effortless to outsiders.

Apart from volleyball, Aubrey excels in academics, particularly enjoying her AP Literature and Geology classes. Her love for reading, especially dystopian novels like “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent,” reflects her ability to balance sports and studies effectively.

Community involvement is another cornerstone of Aubrey’s high school experience. A member of the Spanish Club and a class officer, she is deeply committed to community service, believing in giving back to those who have always supported the volleyball program.

Aubrey also took time to express gratitude for her support system, highlighting her mom as a significant influence. “Definitely my mom. She’s just always been there for me,” Aubrey shared.

As she prepares for her final games, Aubrey’s legacy at Crestview is clear. Her positive mindset and dedication, bolstered by an exceptional coaching staff, have set a high standard for those who will follow in her footsteps. “Thank you to the coaching staff, my friends, and my family for always being there for me and supporting me,” she concluded. Aubrey Unkofer’s journey may be nearing its end at Crestview, but her impact will be felt for years to come.

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THE SCOOP ON COOP

Boardman, OH – In the heart of Boardman, Ohio, a young athlete is making waves on the high school golf scene. Cooper Mraz, a standout player for Boardman High School’s golf team, recently shared his journey and insights in a candid interview with YSN in the latest Boardman Golf Player Profile.

Mraz’s introduction to golf came at an early age, thanks to his father. Recalling his father’s influence, Mraz shared, “My dad introduced me to golf when I was, like, eight or nine. I played at Mill Creek short holes, and I just fell in love with it.” From these humble beginnings, Mraz’s love for the sport grew, leading him to join his high school golf team as a freshman.

The road to success in golf is often paved with mental challenges, and Mraz acknowledges this aspect of the game. He discussed how he developed the mental resilience needed to excel in golf, stating, “I just try not to get frustrated at anything. I just keep a positive mindset by just being happy with everything I’m doing and trying not to get mad at anything I’m doing at all.”

Mraz’s dedication to the sport is matched by his impressive academic achievements. Holding a 3.8 GPA, he excels in subjects like science and math, despite acknowledging that English poses more of a challenge. When asked about his academic interests, Mraz expressed a particular affinity for algebra.

Beyond his golf and academic pursuits, Mraz is also a member of the tennis team. He appreciates how both sports demand mental toughness and how skills from one sport can benefit the other. “For golf, I would say something I bring from golf to tennis is just, like, my work ethic, practicing every day, and just getting better and better as the season goes,” he explained. Mraz’s leadership on the golf team has not gone unnoticed. Inspired by former teammates like Carter Thick Mills, Mraz now finds himself in a mentor role, helping younger teammates improve their game. Reflecting on this transition, he said, “Being a leader now is amazing. I mean, I just get to help around and better my teammates, and it’s always fun.”

A memorable highlight of Mraz’s season was achieving his goal of shooting in the seventies at the Canfield Invitational, where he scored a 79. He described the experience with pride, emphasizing how setting and attaining goals motivates him.
As he contemplates his future, Mraz intends to pursue further education in a field related to science and math, although he remains undecided about his exact career path.

Supported by a competitive and encouraging family, Mraz finds motivation and inspiration close to home. He gratefully acknowledged his dad, coach, teammates, and the game of golf itself for their roles in his journey. As Cooper Mraz continues to thrive both on and off the golf course, Boardman High School and the local community have much to be proud of and look forward to from this young talent.

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A BEACON OF FAITH

MINERAL RIDGE, OH-  As a beacon of hope and resilience for the younger generation, Faith Schneider has undoubtedly made a mark in Mineral Ridge’s sports history. Faith recently joined us on YSN podcast, where she opened up about her impressive journey throughout her high school volleyball career.

“When I first came to the school, I had to sit out half the year,” Faith recalled, addressing the challenges she faced early on. Despite this, she went on to achieve a remarkable milestone, surpassing a thousand digs—a feat she hadn’t anticipated. “I wasn’t really expecting, like, anything like that. But with the team like that, I had. It was very easy to do that,” she humbly stated.

Faith’s gratitude toward her team revealed the cohesive force that propelled the program to excellence. “It’s really been about, like, leadership and about, like, everyone working together and just working hard and always wanting to, like, win and have a common goal,” she expressed, highlighting the importance of unity and collective aspiration.

A natural leader herself, Faith emphasized the essence of leading by example, aiming not only to inspire but also to instill joy. “I just want them to, like, remember, like, the moments of me being, like, stupid or funny and them always, like, looking back on that,” she shared. This mindset reflects her leadership style, one that is both uplifting and memorable.

Looking back on the figures who shaped her journey, Faith credited her older peers, particularly mentioning Olivia Booth. “She’s, like, one of my favorite seniors… She was literally the one that, like, really brought me under and, like,” Faith says, alluding to the influence and guidance she received as a younger athlete.

Achieving all-state honors was a landmark moment for Faith, one that surprised and humbled her. “It’s very amazing… It just feels, like, really amazing to, like, know that people, like, know me and they have my back, and then they know that I could be a good player,” she said, acknowledging the recognition and support she’s received.

Enduring and overcoming adversity is part of any athlete’s journey, and Faith is no exception. Her philosophy, embedded by her parents, is to learn and grow from every setback. “He’d [her father] always be like, you know you always gonna have that bad game, that bad match, but it’s how you bounce back from it that really shows, like, the type of person you are,” she explained, speaking on the resilience ingrained in her approach.

Looking ahead, the discomfort of starting anew weighs on anyone venturing into uncharted territories. Yet, for Faith, Edinburgh feels like a second home, credited largely to the welcoming nature of the team and coaching staff. “It was very, like, home. Like, I just could, like, see myself there, and I love, like, the team. Like the. Just the whole atmosphere of the whole program,” she beamed with enthusiasm for her future.
As her legacy at Mineral Ridge endures, Faith carries the pride of being a foundational brick in the school’s sports culture. “It just feels really good that I can, like, be an example for a lot of girls,” Faith remarked, understanding the impact she leaves behind.

Concluding her high-school sports journey, Faith Schneider stands as an example of what hard work, a positive mindset, and a sense of community can achieve. Her story will continue to inspire and motivate many in Mineral Ridge and beyond as she takes the next step in her academic and athletic career.

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MS. JACKSON’S NOT SORRY

PEPPER PIKE, OH- Liv Jackson, the senior center power forward for the Orange Lady Lions basketball team, recently sat down for an exclusive interview on YSN to discuss her experiences and aspirations as a talented athlete and driven student. During the interview, Liv shared her excitement for making the most of her senior year and creating lasting memories with her teammates and friends before embarking on her college journey.

With her eyes set on a career in the medical field as an orthopedic surgeon, Liv’s passion for medicine and surgery shone brightly as she expressed her desire to contribute to the ongoing discoveries in the field.

On the basketball court, Liv’s competitive drive and resilience were evident as she described her approach to the game, including her determination to be more aggressive and develop a more unpredictable playing style. She highlighted her strengths in finishing layups and rebounding, while also acknowledging the need to work on turning her weaknesses into strengths.

As a leader on the team, Liv emphasized the importance of radiating confidence and being a supportive friend to her teammates, offering advice and encouragement to the underclassmen and stressing the value of staying true to oneself, a virtue she learned from her mother.

Looking ahead to a special moment at Rocket Mortgage Field House, Liv expressed her eagerness to play in such a grand stadium, embracing the opportunity to shine on a larger stage.

Liv’s humility, determination, and respect for her family, particularly her mother, serve as a testament to her character and drive to succeed both on and off the court. Her positive outlook and leadership qualities make her a role model for her peers and aspiring athletes.

As she continues to make her mark both in basketball and academia, Liv Jackson illustrates the power of determination, resilience, and humility, embodying the spirit of a true athlete and scholar. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all those who strive for excellence in their pursuits.

 

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