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FEATURED ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Gracie Smith, Greencastle
Gracie Smith is a senior basketball player at Greencastle High School. Her brother, Hunter, plays football at Franklin College. She has played on a summer travel team in Illinois. While some high school students dislike writing, she wants to have a career as a writer.
Banner Graphic: How did you get connected with the team in Illinois?
Gracie Smith: “Mia Stevens, my best friend, used to live in Illinois and she got me connected with them. It’s a really good program.”
BG: How long have you played basketball?
GS: “I started playing in a league at Deer Meadow when I was little. I’ve always been around it.”
BG: What are your college plans?
GS: “I’m going to Lincoln Trail College [in Robinson, Ill.]. I like the coaches. I like change, and it’s only a two-year school so I can figure out exactly where I want to go from there — maybe somewhere big, maybe somewhere small.”
BG: What career do you want to have?
GS: “I want to be a journalist. I like to write. Writing is the only thing besides basketball that I’m good at. I love to read and write.”
BG: Which teachers have helped you here at Greencastle?
GS: “Mr. Wheeler is probably my favorite teacher. I can relate to him well in writing, and he’s passionate about the same thing I am. I like Mr. Key’s teaching style. Not just because he’s my coach, but he just has a ‘no mercy’ style where you have to get your stuff done. It’s taught me a lot about taking responsibility for my schoolwork.”
BG: What have been your school basketball highlights?
GS: “Winning the county every year has been great, especially this year when we beat South. We really wanted it, and we got it. That was cool.”
BG: What do you like to do that is not school or sports related?
GS: “I like all genres of music, probably a lot of artists people don’t know. I ride horses and I play the guitar a little bit. I try.
BG: What is something that you have never done that you would like to do someday?
GS: “I had an exchange student from Brazil live with me for two months when I was a sophomore, and I want to go visit her. I want to travel.”
BG: So, maybe you could be a travel writer someday.......
GS: “Yeah, that’s definitely something I’d like to do someday.”
BG: Do you have pets?
GS: “I have two dogs, who are my life. Macy and Sox. One is a pitbull/cattle dog mix and the other is a boxer/pitbull mix. I found the boxer in my neighborhood, and I got the other one from the shelter.
BG: Do you like TV or movies?
GS: “I like to watch One Tree Hill and Supernatural when I can. I don’t get to watch much TV
BG: Have you had a good experience the past four years at Greencastle?
GS: “Greencastle prepares you for a lot. I’m going to miss playing basketball with girls I’ve played with my whole life. I’m ready to move on school-wise and personally.
BG: Talk about this basketball season. You started off 0-4, but it’s gone really well since then.
GS: “I think our team is a ladder, and we’re climbing it. The sky’s the limit. We’re getting better. We have a big game on Friday against Northview in the conference.”