From the Sidelines: Chapel Hill’s Mya Massey

Published 10:30 pm Wednesday, April 22, 2020

With spring sports being canceled, the Tyler Morning Telegraph wants to profile East Texas seniors in those sports in a feature called “From the Sidelines”. If you’re an East Texas senior who competes in a spring sport and would like to be featured, fill out the following questionnaire and send it to sports@tylerpaper.com, along with a photo. Today’s featured female athlete is Chapel Hill’s Mya Massey.

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Name: Mya Massey

School: Chapel Hill High School

Parent’s name: April Massey

Brothers/sisters: Zoe Massey (7th grader at Chapel Hill Middle School)

Sports played: Volleyball (freshman year only); Softball (all four years — Varsity three years)

Favorite High School Sports Memory: During practice my sophomore year, we were hitting off of the machine. I hit one over the fence, but everyone swears it hit the top of the fence and bounced back in. We still argue about this today.

Plans after high school: I plan on getting a job and continuing my education.

If college, what schools are you considering, and what do you plan to major in? I plan on attending UT Tyler to major in sports medicine. I want to become a sports medicine physician.

Favorite song: House Arrest Tingz by NBA YoungBoy

Favorite food: Steak and baked potatoes

Favorite TV show: Last Chance U

Favorite movie: 8 Seconds

Who are your role models? My role model is my grandfather. He’s the most hard-working man I have ever met. He has paid for almost every batting lesson and molded me into who I am today. My other role model is my batting coach, Ricky. I’ve been going to him for four years now. He has not only taught me how to swing but walked me through every obstacle and how to be a better player and person.

Which coaches have had the most influence on you? Why? Coach Ripka and Coach Godwin are the coaches that have had the most influence on me. These are the only coaches that have pushed me to my limits and brought out the best in me. They have pushed me to get my grades higher and given me countless rides home when needed. Even though we have had hard times, I wouldn’t trade the time I had with them for the world.

Who is your favorite teacher? My favorite teacher is Mrs. Tammie Stewart. She is the most kind hearted lady, and she is so sweet. I love her infectious smile and her ability to brighten my day just by telling me hello. I will definitely miss her.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I honestly don’t know what I will be doing tomorrow much less in 10 years. I have always loved living life that way, not expecting what is next. But I hope to have my dream job and starting my life.

What will you miss most about high school sports? I will miss the intensity and excitement before games. I will miss our late night bus rides home and jamming out. I will miss the thrill of the crowd when I get a base hit. I will miss the smiles and the laughs I share with my teammates. Most importantly, I will miss stepping out on the field with my glove giving every ounce of effort I can give for my team.

Words from her coach (Coach Ripka): Mya has been an important part of the Lady Bulldog Softball team for the past 3 years. Not only has she had one of the highest batting averages during that time, but she has the ability to make anyone laugh at any time. This is important because she can get her teammates to relax and just play ball. I will miss her dearly and know that she will do great things in her life.