<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=22uv9h_0v0lX8iw00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=22uv9h_0v0lX8iw00" width="1179" height="765" ></figure>The YDL Sports Network is highlighting returning high school student-athletes this summer. The year in school listed next to the athlete’s name is the year the athlete is entering this fall.Player profiles are also brought to you by Clarview Nursing, Showcase Homes, Janney Montgomery Scott in Clarion, Hunter Station Golf Course, the North Washington Rodeo, the Warren County Visitors Bureau, Tionesta Builders, Generational Wealth Management. GRACEE HESS – SOPHOMORE – CRANBERRY Sports Played: Cross country, basketball, softballParents Names: Amanda Hess, Eric HessSiblings: I have a younger sister, she’s 12, Maylee Hess, she dances, cheers and plays the saxophone.Social Media Handles: Instagram-gracee_hess_softball – this is my softball Instagram that I post highlights on.Highlights: My high school team won the d-9 championship this year 2024, I struck out 10 girls. Was awarded player of the game during the D-9 championship. I got the Rookie Pitcher of the Year award for my school – 2024, my first over the fence homerun during varsity as a 14-year-old, then had my second homerun in the championship game for my travel team Pittsburgh Power-14U Smith-2024. My travel season in 2023 I ended the season with 127 strikeouts.College Athletics plan if applicable: I plan on playing softball in college, it’s my biggest dream.Q&amp;AQ: How did you get involved in playing sports?A: I got involved in playing sports because my parents put me in many sports at a young age including soccer, basketball, volleyball, tee ball, cheer, running, dance, and swimming. Out of every sport i played softball was the one I had the most love for, so my mom signed me upfor travel ball.Q: What would you consider to be the best moment of your high-school playing career?A: The best moment of my high-school playing career was winning the D9 championship and going out to eat with my team and bond. We had an escort back to the school after, I will always remember that day.Q: If you could witness a moment or an event in history what would it be and why would you choose that moment/event?A: If I could witness a moment in history I would want to witness the first sports game, because sports are a huge part of my life. I spend most of my time on a field or court.Q: What teacher has had the most impact on you in school? Why?A: I feel many teachers have had an impact on me, it’s very hard to choose but if I had to, I would say my 6th grade teacher Mrs. Findlay had avery big impact on me. She helped me feel better about life in the future, she taught me how to write checks and mail letters. I feel she prepared me for life and had a very big impact on me. She focused on preparing me for life, she was always there for me, I’m and very thankful I got her as a teacher.Q: Do you have a go-to pregame or postgame meal and if so what is it and why do you like it?A: My favorite post-game meal is taco bell, I love it more than any other food, if I have a bad game, it instantly cheers me up.Q: You can take one person on vacation anywhere in the world. Who would you take and where would you go?A: If I could take one person on vacation, I would take Reyna Watson because coming onto the high school team as a freshman was very nerve racking, and Reyna took me under her wing and guided me throughout the season, she even drove me to practices. I am very sad we only got one year together since she graduated but I am so thankful for the time we got to play together. I would go to Hawaii with Reyna so we could go surfing and see volcanoes.Q: What off-season activities do you participate in to stay sharp for sports?A: I run cross country, and it helps me so much to stay in shape in the fall, I play basketball in the winter, and it helps with my hand eye coordination. I also play travel softball in Pittsburgh year-round.Q: Is there anything you wish we would have asked you? If so, what is the question/answer?A: I wish you would have asked what I would like to be when I’m older, and that is a very tough question but right now. I am really looking into being a pediatrician or a physical therapist. I possibly would like to be a dentist.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

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2024-25 North Washington Rodeo Riding All Week Player Profile: Gracee Hess, Cranberry

GRACEE HESS – SOPHOMORE – CRANBERRY. Sports Played: Cross country, basketball, softball. Siblings: I have a younger sister, she’s 12, Maylee Hess, she dances, cheers and plays the saxophone. Social Media Handles: Instagram-gracee_hess_softball – this is my softball Instagram that I post highlights on. Highlights: My...