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 powered by Pizza Hut
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Full List of 2023 Player Profiles
SAMI STRAUB – SENIOR – ELK COUNTY CATHOLIC
Sports Played: Cross country, soccer, basketball, track and field
Parents Names: Amy and Peter Straub
Siblings: I have an older brother, Adam Straub. He graduated this year and played basketball and ran track and cross country. He is playing basketball at St Vincent College. I have a younger sister, Katie Straub. She is a freshman this year and plays soccer, basketball, and track.
Social Media Handles: Instagram- samistraub41806; Snapchat- samistraub23
2022-23 Highlights: In cross country, I got fifth at District 9 championships and my team got first in Class 1A. We went to states and got sixth as a team. In soccer, I had five goals and led my team with nine assists. I also was named a U.A.V.S.L. All-Star. In basketball, I won the District 9 All-Star award and the Coaches Award. In track and field, I got third in triple jump, fifth in 300 hurdles, fourth in the 4×400, and first in the 4×800 all at districts (Class 2A) In the 4×800 we got second at the PIAA state championships.
College Athletics plan if applicable: Yes, I do plan on playing a sport in college. I am unsure which sport and which college at the moment.
Q&A
Q: How did you get involved in playing sports?
A: I was very energetic and active as a child. My mom put me in gymnastics when I was two and I became a competitive gymnast until I was
13. My family is big into basketball, so I grew up with a basketball in my hand. I was in rec soccer as soon as I was old enough and never stopped.
Q: What is the most enjoyable thing you have ever had happen to you on an athletic field?
A: The most enjoyable thing that has happened to me on an athletic field was winning District 9 (Class 1A) in basketball this past season. This was something my teammates and I dreamed and worked on since we started playing together. We started from a young age together and to win it together was very special.
Q: If you could go to any event (it doesn’t have to be a sporting event) in the world, what would it be and why? *
A: I would go watch the Summer Olympics. I have watched them since I was a kid and have always wanted to see Olympic gymnastics and the games
in person.
Q: What teacher has had the most impact on you in school? Why?
A: The teacher that has impacted me the most is Wee J. Fernan. He has the most positive and humble personality that I strive to achieve in my life. He teaches me a lot not just about math, but about life and sports. He has helped me grow as a person, challenge myself to become the best I can be and be a positive role model to others.
Q: Do you have any superstitions in any of the sports you play?
A: I have so many superstitions in almost all of my sports. In soccer, I have to wear the same socks, sock covers, hairstyle, and duct tape my shoes. In basketball I have the most – same hairstyle, listen to the certain music at certain times in the locker room, put my socks, then knee brace, then shoes on, hit my shoes twice, and eat the same lunch every game day. In track, I have to eat the same lunch and have the same hairstyle.
Q: You have one day where you can do anything your heart desires. Cost is not a factor. What would it be?
A: If I had one day to do anything, I would get all of my family and friends together and get on a private jet. We would go to Hawaii and hang out on a beach all day and eat a lot of ice cream.
Q: If you could go back in time, where would you go and why?
A: If I could go back in time, I would go back to the start of my freshman year. I would go back there to tell myself to enjoy the time and don’t waste it. Enjoy the little things and moments because it goes by really fast. Don’t waste the experience and work hard every day. I would do this because I have one year left in my high school career and it went by very fast.
Q: Is there anything you wish we would have asked you? If so, what is the question/answer?
A: What would you tell kids playing sports? I would tell them to work hard every day, keep your head up, enjoy your teammates, and challenge yourself to do your best. It’s the best times you may ever have, so don’t waste it.
