From the Sidelines: Tatum’s Essence Allen

Published 7:00 pm Sunday, May 24, 2020

Name: Essence Allen

School: Tatum High School

Parents names: Edward Allen and Raishaunda Smith

Brothers/sisters: Wendell Allen, Edward Allen Jr., Carnecia Allen, Brianna Allen and Malik Allen

Sports you play: Volleyball, basketball, softball, track and cheer.

Favorite high school sports memory: Beating Commerce in five to go to the regional volleyball tournament.

Plans after high school: I plan to attend Texas A&M University Commerce to play volleyball.

If college, what schools are you considering, and what do you plan to major in? Accepted to Texas A&M University College Station (Mays business school), Texas Tech. I plan on majoring in business finance.

Favorite song: “everything i wanted” by Billie Eilish

Favorite food: Any type of pasta

Favorite TV show: Dynasty

Favorite movie: Parent Trap

Who are your role models? My mother is my role model because she teaches me to not give up on things and she’s always there for me. She has dealt with me for 17½ years, so I applaud her for that.

Which coaches have had the most influence on you? Why? Jesse Kennedy, because he taught me “separation is in the preparation,” which is why I have a great work ethic today. Patricia Nelson, because she has always pushed and encouraged me in every aspect of my life. She made me realize that I am actually better than what I thought I was. Finally, we have Coach Bell, DeLoach and Barker because they helped shape me into the volleyball player that I am today.

Who is your favorite teacher? Mrs. Gaut because she understands me and we always buy each other lunch.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I see myself living in California, happily married with two children and working as a finance manager.

What will you miss most about high school sports? I will miss playing with my teammates and playing against our rival schools and hearing “Wow she’s so good.”

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Name: Kevin Lansing

School: Elysian Fields

Parents names: Melissa Neal and Kevin Lansing

Brothers/sisters: One brother and one sister

Sports you play: Baseball and one year of football

Favorite high school sports memory: For football, on my first defensive play I sacked the QB. For baseball, when I slammed in the wall trying to catching a baseball

Plans after high school: Electrical lineman

If college, what schools are you considering, and what do you plan to major in? TSTC

Favorite song: Grace by Lil Baby

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds

Favorite movie: Step Brothers

Who are your role models? I am my own role model.

Which coaches have had the most influence on you? Why? Coach Struwe. He has taught me everything I need to know about baseball and has given a lot of life lesson that I will carry on through life.

Who is your favorite teacher? Katlyn Woodley

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Making money

What will you miss most about high school sports? The bus rides back home and my teammates