FEATURED SENIOR ATHLETE: Josh Hammond, South Putnam

Josh is a senior at South Putnam and participates in one sport, basketball.

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Banner Graphic: How important are sports to you, and what have you learned from them?

Josh Hammond: “I’ve learned several life skills playing sports. Both of my parents played sports and I’ve played them for a long time. The big thing this year has been family, coming together as a group on and off the court and holding each other accountable. We’ve been working on encouraging each other when things go well and picking each other up when they don’t. We’ve worked on effort and putting in work on the field, in the gym and the weight room, the long hours and enjoying the grind. That’s an important thing to learn about.”

BG: Talk about each of your sports.

JH: “It’s been a bit of a struggle, especially basketball the past couple of years, but we’re looking to turn it around this year. We had a decent start but still have some kinks to work out. We just have to keep working on things and keep improving.”

BG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you in sports?

JH: “I remember one time during sophomore season on JV, against Cloverdale, I airballed two threes back-to-back. I missed one from the corner and they kicked it back out to me. I was way off on the second one, too.”

BG: What does your game day routine look like?

JH: “Me, Eli (Smith) and another buddy of mine all do Area 30 and we have an extended lunch period, so all three of us, on Friday, will go get Subway and get ready for the game, talking about what we’ve been working on all week and what we need to be prepared for against the other team. We’ll also crank the music up in the locker room before the game.”

BG: Do you have any favorite college/pro sports teams or athletes you follow?

JH: “I have two or three favorite athletes in the NBA like Ja Morant, the underdog story from him, Luka Doncic, who doesn’t look like much of an athlete but is very skilled and Chris Paul, an undersized guard but a smart basketball player with a high basketball IQ.”

BG: What else do you do at school besides things involving sports?

JH: “I’m involved with FCA as vice president, which is a really great group. Several other players are involved and it’s a great way to grow our faith in Jesus Christ, as I come from a strong Christian family and that’s No. 1 in my life. I’m also in NHS.”

BG: What do you like to do outside of school and sports?

JH: “I don’t really do a lot other than sports. I spend a lot of time with my family and hang out with friends but also play some games like NBA 2K, Madden and those types of things. “

BG: What are your favorites in movies, TV and music?

JH: “My favorite movie would either be ‘Hoosiers’ or ‘When the Game Stands Tall,’ both inspiring sports movies. As far as music, whatever is on the radio is what I’ll listen to.”

BG: Are you a person that wants to watch TV shows and movies or stream something from YouTube, Twitch, TikTok etc.?

JH: “I’d be the guy to watch TV shows or NBA games if they’re on. I’d watch some movies on Disney+ and some stuff on Netflix.”

BG: What is something you have never done before that you would like to do someday?

JH: “Skydiving. Jumping out of a plane sounds like fun. It seems like such a rush.”

BG: What is your biggest fear?

JH: “I don’t like horror movies. They freak me out.”

BG: You’ve been placed in charge of making dinner. What’s on the menu?

JH: “I’d grill hamburgers and have potatoes of some sort with it.”

BG: Do you have any pets?

JH: “I don’t have any pets at this time.”

BG: If your house were on fire, all living things were already out and you have your keys, cell phone, wallet/purse etc., what is one thing you would go back and get?

JH: “Either my Wilson Evolution basketball or my Playstation.”

BG: If you were to describe your personality in one word, what would that word be and why?

JH: “Joyous. Everybody says I’m in a good mood and upbeat.”

BG: What has been your favorite place to visit?

JH: “We went to Texas one year. It wasn’t a crazy trip or anything but I liked a lot of the cities we saw. We stayed on a ranch, so that was fun.”

BG: What was your favorite school field trip?

JH: “Freshman year we went to tour Indiana State’s campus. I like those kinds of trips.”

BG: How important is support from your family and classmates to your success?

JH: “It’s huge because your family is going to be there whether you’re succeeding or not. They don’t care whether your winning or not, they love you for who you are, which is huge. Classmates, some of them will be there and some will be there if you’re succeeding and not if you aren’t. It’s good to have classmates who are there for you but family is huge to have.”

BG: Describe your overall school experience both academically and athletically

JH: “I’ve always done well in school, not really having any bumps in the road. I was sick for a couple of weeks as a freshman and got behind but other than that I’ve done well. Athletically, I’ve enjoyed playing sports. We haven’t won a lot of basketball games but I’ve still enjoyed playing the sport and being on the court. Hopefully we’ll get more wins as the season progresses. I’ve tried to enjoy the school experience. Sometimes it’s tough moving from class to class and learning stuff you don’t necessarily want to learn but I enjoy being around my classmates and having an impact on them.”

BG: If your school was to offer a class it currently doesn’t, what would you want to see taught?

JH: “I’d say a class over World War I and II or a coaching class that teaches you how to coach different sports. Colleges have that and it’d be cool to have something like that.”

BG: What are your plans for after high school, and what career are you headed toward?

JH: “After high school I plan to go to college, though where I don’t know as I’m trying to decide between two different career paths, either going into the ministry or become a teacher and go into education in physical education.”

BG: Is it difficult to keep up with your school work being an athlete?

JH: “I’d say for the most part, not really. I usually have enough time during the day or after practice to get work done and knock it out. Weeks where we have big tests or finals can be stressful trying to get ready for both them and the game but it’s pretty straight forward for the most part of getting things done and then getting ready for the game.”

BG: Which particular classes and teachers have helped you the most in high school?

JH: “Mrs. Hodge is a standout teacher who does an excellent job of teaching the curriculum while also caring about us as people, asking us how we’re doing and helping us to get ready for college and career prep.”

BG: In the future, if you had your choice, would you want to live in the mountains, on the beach or in the neighborhood?

JH: “I’d say in the neighborhood. I’ve lived in the suburbs my whole life, I’m used to it and want to stick with it.”

BG: Do you think high school has gone fast, and are you going to miss it?

JH: “It slowly sped up as the years went along. Freshman year it was slow but once you get past the first semester, it starts to speed up and since sophomore year, it has flown by. I’m going to miss it somewhat, getting to play organized sports and seeing my friends every day, the protection of teachers and family around you everyday.”