Kailey Bass
Peninsula High School
Kailey Bass is entering her junior year at Peninsula High School and has already made her mark for the Peninsula High School golf team. She was first team all-league and was also named MVP for her high school team.
And it is not just on the golf course where Kailey succeeds. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her high school career thus far.
Kailey shares that her biggest challenge when it comes to golf is performing under the pressure of others’ expectations. “I’ve always been a people pleaser to an extent, so doing well in sports has always been one of my main priorities,” said Kailey, who has learned to set her own goals and be content when she reaches them no matter what others expect of her.
Although she will not graduate until spring of 2021, Kailey said she would like to attend a four-year university and play golf at the next level. She is interested in studying both aviation and architecture.
“I’ve always been a numerical thinker, and being in advanced math has allowed me to embrace that!” said Kailey. “I have always loved design and modern engineering. I have been around airplanes my whole life, and I find it appealing to follow in my family’s footsteps of becoming a pilot.”
Kailey said that golf has taught her to maintain composure when things aren’t going the way she wants them to. “Within chaos I know how to keep myself calm and optimistic! I’ve come to realize that the best way to maintain an inner peace is to give my worries to God, knowing that some things are out of my control, and that He has the best path for me.”
Samuel Peacock
Gig Harbor High School
A state champion for the state of Washington in the 3A shot put for the Gig Harbor High School track team, Samuel Peacock also is passionate about the game of football—a sport he will continue at the collegiate level after he graduates next spring.
“I have received offers to play football at schools such as Oregon State, Portland State, Idaho, Columbia, Georgetown and Northern Colorado,” said Samuel, who was selected as First Team All SCC OL and has a cumulative GPA of 3.77.
Samuel is interested in science and said two areas of study he is considering are biology and neuroscience. “After completing an undergraduate degree, I have thought to pursue physical therapy school,” he said.
The biggest challenge Samuel has faced when it comes to sports is balancing his life between his desire to not only be the best athlete he can but the best person.
“I try my best to not become distracted from what is important in this world. I find something that I love, such as football and track, and I give everything I have into it. I stay focused and try to be the best,” shared Samuel.
Samuel says football is a game for people who love the grind and who are willing to push themselves past the point of breaking.
“You do it not only for yourself but for the guy who is next to you. You get hit and you must hit back. It's a sort of a battle when you enter the field; there is no other feeling like it,” he said of the game he loves. Samuel says Coach Ben has been especially influential in that he has taught him that it is not always about the win or the scholarship. “Sometimes success will be found in becoming something greater than yourself. Success is not always defined as a victory.”