Tag Archive for: success

NOTHING BY A G THING

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- Sophomore sensation Gianna Gilbert of the Mineral Ridge Lady Ram basketball team recently sat down with YSN for an exclusive interview at the Post Office Pub. The talented young athlete opened up about her proudest moments, dedication to the sport, and her pre-game routines that have contributed to her success on the court.

When asked about her proudest achievement, Gilbert emphasized the dedication and hard work that she and her teammates put into the game. Reflecting on their victories in the MVAC and the strong team connection, she acknowledged the challenges they overcame, including injuries, and the unwavering commitment from the entire team.

Gilbert also provided insight into the rigorous behind-the-scenes work required for success, emphasizing the long hours of practice, drills, film sessions, and summer leagues that lay the foundation for their on-court performances.

One surprising reveal during the interview was Gilbert’s pre-game rituals and superstitions. From selecting a specific song for each season to wearing the same spandex for different games, tying her shoes a certain way, and even holding on to specific pregame routines, Gilbert highlighted the importance of maintaining a consistent mindset and preparation for each game.

Amidst these revelations, it was evident that basketball holds a special place in Gilbert’s heart, with the sport providing her with a constant source of joy, motivation, and a means to connect with others.

As a rising star in Mineral Ridge’s basketball scene, Gianna Gilbert’s future looks bright, and her dedication to the sport is sure to inspire many aspiring athletes.

The YSN interview shed light on both the hard work and passion that drive Gianna Gilbert’s success, offering an inspiring glimpse into the life and mindset of this young basketball phenom.

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MINERAL RIDGE BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH AMY HARRISON

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, Mineral Ridge Lady Rams’ coach, Amy Harrison, sat down with host DJ Yokley to discuss the team’s remarkable 22-season, which culminated in an 11-1 record and a share of the MVAC championship.

During the interview, Coach Harrison reflected on the program’s success and the transition from being a player to coaching a new generation of players. She expressed gratitude for the coaching she received as a player and highlighted the continuity of the program as former players, now coaches themselves, are involved in shaping the next generation of players.

Moreover, Coach Harrison shared her pride in the team’s accomplishments and discussed how she instills the value of pride, respect, and multi-sport participation in her players. She also acknowledged the challenges faced by female athletes and emphasized the importance of encouraging versatile athletic participation.

Looking towards the future, Coach Harrison discussed the transition from a winning season to preparing for new challenges, noting the significance of maintaining the players’ confidence and drive for success. She credited the strong personalities of the team and stressed the importance of maintaining a winning mindset from one season to the next.

The conversation shed light on the close-knit community of Mineral Ridge, where Coach Harrison has deep personal connections and where she has dedicated herself to shaping future generations of athletes. She expressed her pride in raising the championship banner and how the experience is something her players will carry with them throughout their lives.

In the spirit of reflection, Coach Harrison revealed that if she could change one thing from the season, it would be to start one of the games differently, believing that an altered approach could have made a significant difference.

The episode provided valuable insight into the dedication and passion Coach Amy Harrison brings to the Mineral Ridge Lady Rams’ basketball program, as well as the impactful experience of leading a successful team in a tight-knit community.

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TO THE VICTOR COME THE SPOILS

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PEPPER PIKE, OH-  In the latest episode of the YSN podcast, the spotlight shone on Orange High School’s sophomore wrestling sensation, Victor Kangas. The young athlete sat down with host DJ Yokley for an in-depth interview, discussing his goals for his sophomore year, his growth as a wrestler, and his plans for the future.

Kangas expressed his desire to be more of a leader on the mat this year, especially for the incoming freshmen wrestlers. With a year of experience under his belt, Kangas believes that he can provide guidance and support to the younger members of the team.

Reflecting on his challenging freshman year, Kangas revealed that he endured countless beatings in practice due to being the lightest weight class wrestler. Facing opponents who were always heavier and stronger than him, Kangas credits these difficult experiences for developing his mental toughness and improving his skills on the mat.

Despite the grueling nature of the sport, Kangas has embraced the discipline and dedication that wrestling requires. He emphasized the importance of pushing oneself during practices, acknowledging that they may never become easier, but they ultimately contribute to becoming a better athlete.

Kangas discovered his passion for wrestling in eighth grade, even though he was unable to compete due to a broken hand. Watching his teammates practice and witnessing the tight bond they shared made him realize that he wanted to be a part of this team sport.

Off the mat, Kangas expressed his appreciation for his family’s unwavering support. His parents, often driving long distances to attend his meets, are always there cheering him on. The young wrestler recognizes their presence as a tremendous source of motivation and comfort.

When asked about his post-match rituals, Kangas humorously admitted that food is typically the first thing on his mind. He fondly recalled indulging in skittles, which became his go-to snack due to their availability at the meets. But beyond the snacks, Kangas experiences a rush of excitement after a win and a drive to improve if he suffers a loss.

Looking towards his future, Kangas expressed an interest in pursuing a trade after graduation. Exploring fields such as welding, he hopes to find a career that allows him to work with his hands and avoid the confines of a traditional desk job.

When he’s not wrestling, Kangas enjoys spending time with his friends, some of whom are also on the wrestling team. Additionally, he finds solace and entertainment in playing video games, though he admits that his current favorite game is constantly changing.

As Victor Kangas continues to showcase his talent and dedication on the wrestling mat, the Orange High School community eagerly anticipates his leadership and contributions to the success of the team in the years to come. Best of luck to this rising star as he strives towards his goals and makes his mark in the world of wrestling.

 

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NO NONSENSE NINA

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In an exclusive player profile interview for YSN, Orange High School’s swimming sensation and senior, Nina Deshpande, shared her ambitions and preparations for her final year in high school swimming.

Deshpande, a state qualifier last year, is no stranger to success. As she gears up for her senior year, she faces the challenge of surpassing her previous achievements and making her mark in the swimming world.

Reflecting on her successful junior year, Deshpande emphasized the importance of dedication and effort in every practice. “Every practice matters,” she stated. Deshpande admitted feeling the pressure to maintain her stellar performance and secure a place in the state competition once again. Moreover, she revealed her determination to qualify for the finals, a goal she narrowly missed last year.

As a senior, Deshpande recognizes the added responsibility of being a role model and leader for her younger teammates. She strives to create a positive and supportive environment, encouraging her peers to perform their best both in and out of the pool. Deshpande mentioned team bonding activities as a crucial element in fostering camaraderie within the team.

When asked about her competitive drive, Deshpande attributed it to her early exposure to swimming and the highly competitive swimming community she grew up in. Having trained alongside talented athletes, both older and younger, she has developed a strong sense of competition that fuels her desire to excel.

Outside of her swimming pursuits, Deshpande enjoys indulging in her favorite pastime: shopping. Target, being her go-to store, offers her both online and in-person retail therapy.

As the holiday season approaches, Deshpande revealed her excitement for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. While she appreciates the delicious foods associated with Thanksgiving, her favorite being mashed potatoes, she also looks forward to celebrating the festive spirit during Christmas.

The dedicated athlete credited her family for their unwavering support throughout her swimming journey. She mentioned her older brother, a talented athlete himself, and her mother, who introduced her to swimming and always encouraged her to strive for her best. Deshpande expressed her desire to make her family proud with her accomplishments in the pool.

In conclusion, Deshpande’s determination, leadership qualities, and relentless drive make her a force to be reckoned with in the competitive swimming world. As she enters her final year of high school swimming, all eyes will be on Deshpande as she aims to surpass her previous achievements and leave a lasting legacy in Orange High School’s swimming program.

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David Rach, South Range

SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 8) WITH DAVID RACH

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CANFIELD, OH-  In today’s episode of “South Range Football Coach’s Corner,” we have a special guest, David Rach, the head football coach of the South Range Raiders. Coach Rach joins us to discuss the team’s recent dominant win and how they are preparing for their upcoming game against Niles. We delve into the details of their execution on offense, defense, and special teams, and Coach Rach shares his thoughts on the challenges they faced and the areas they need to improve on.

Additionally, we talk about the importance of maintaining focus and intensity throughout the season and the role of player development in the team’s success. With a championship on the line, Coach Rach shares his perspective on the game against Niles and the team’s determination to secure a decisive victory.

Get ready for an insightful and exciting conversation with Coach David Rach in this episode of “South Range Football Coach’s Corner.”

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ANSWERING THE BELL

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AUSTINTOWN, OH-  In today’s episode of Fitch Player Profile, we have a special treat for you. We have Donavan Bell Sullivan, a standout football player, joining us to talk about his journey on and off the field.

As a three-year starter for his team, Donavan has made a name for himself and caught the attention of YSN. In this interview, we dive deep into his personal goals for the season, lessons learned from past experiences, and his passion for both football and baseball.

We also get a glimpse into Donavan’s friendship with his teammate Dom and his strong bond with his family. Join us as we explore the life and accomplishments of Donavan Bell Sullivan in this exciting episode of Player Profile!

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DUBLE TROUBLE

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BOARDMAN, OH- In today’s episode, we focus on Sam Duble, a senior and prominent member of the girl’s soccer team.

Join our host, DJ Yokley, as he delves into Sam’s journey from a clueless freshman to a seasoned leader on the field. Sam shares her experiences with upperclassmen mentors and her aspirations for the future of Spartan soccer.

Tune in to discover her passion for helping injured athletes as a potential physical therapist and the impact her family has had on her life.

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