Player Profile: Sami Leasure, Redbank Valley

D9Sports.com and EYT Media are doing a series of player profiles on returning high-school athletes this summer. The year in school listed by the athlete is the year the athlete is entering this fall.

SAMI LEASURE – SENIOR – REDBANK VALLEY

Daughter of: Larry and Amy Leasure

Sports Played: Softball

2016-17 Highlights: Sami was named a second-team KSAC Designated Player this past season after helping the Lady Bulldogs to the District 9 Class 2A semifinals. Season highlights including a 3-for-5 day with a run scored and three RBIs in a win over Clarion April 24 and a 2-for-3 afternoon with a run scored in a win over Karns City May 18.

Post-High School Goals: She plans to go to college to become an elementary and special education teacher.

Q&A With Sami Leasure

D9Sports: What is your favorite sport to participate in?
SL: Softball, once our season starts we all become a family. We have team bonding after practice and sometimes we go out for breakfast on the weekends.

D9: What is your favorite memory, moment, game from playing high school sports?
SL: When we played C-L for summer league and John tripped over the bag of helmets. Also when I received the nickname Dancing Bear.

D9: Why do you play high school sports?
SL: I love softball, and it motivates me to be the best I can be athletically and academically.

D9: Is there a high school player on your team or another team that you enjoy watching play? If so, why?
SL: Alexis Constantino (of Clarion). She is amazing at both basketball, volleyball and softball. She always pushes herself to be the best she can be, and she always has a positive attitude.

D9: When not playing sports I would rather (pick one) – Go to work, play video games, shop, hang out with friends, play pickup sports, go the movies
SL: Hang out with friends, my friends mean everything to me. They support me through everything. I have no clue what I would do without them.

D9: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
SL: Hawaii. It has been a dream vacation for awhile, and it’s beautiful.

D9: Who has had the most influence on you as a person?
SL: It’s hard to pick just one person but I would have to say, my family. They always push me to do the best I can do, and they taught me to never give up.

D9: What do you like most about growing up in your hometown?
SL: How much support the community shows to the sports and after school activities.

D9: What do you wish you could change about growing up in your hometown?
SL: For the community to work together and help families who are not able to afford the necessities they need.

D9: What question do you wish I would have asked you? And what is the answer to it?
SL: What is the hardest part about playing softball in high school? Not being able to hang out with your friends and not seeing your family that often. Also, trying to find time for your school work.

D9: Do you or have you had any siblings or other immediate relatives who have played high school sports?
SL: My cousin, Austin, he is involved in both baseball and track at Redbank.