Rainee Sibley- Energy Giver

 Rainee Sibly graduated from Galesburg HS in 2013, and from Illinois State University in 2017. Today she is working in Galesburg in the social service field.

Rainee played varsity basketball for three years at Galesburg. During her career, we were running “the System.” It was perfect for her, it involved going all out for about 30-40 seconds. And Rainee could get after it. During her three year varsity career, she averaged about 2.5 points per game. But she was extremely valuable.

I was asked once, if I was going to pick a team from the players who I have coached, who would be fifteen players I would put on that team. I didn’t answer the question. When I think about that question, my answer would change from day to day. I don’t know the answer. But I know that if I was putting together a team, it would be very, very hard not to include Rainee Sibley on that team. She only scored 2.5 points per game- why Rainee?

Humility- Rainee’s humility allowed her to be coached. She was always on the same page- she listened and learned. Her humility allows her to respect everyone. She is a good teammate.

Talent- The idea of bringing her up to the varsity was initiated by Jason Shay. We were at Tennessee Camp and he had watched the varsity play and watched the soph team play. He said that we needed someone with Rainee’s athleticism on the varsity if we were going to press.

Energy Giver- Her greatest strength was her ability to change a practice, change a game, and change a locker room. She brings energy. She is positive and enthusiastic. She seldom has a bad day- she chooses to have good days.

Service- She cares about other people and she works to help other people. The day after we lost in the Sectional her soph year, she arrived in my classroom at 7:15 and sat down to talk. Usually if a player were to come in after a loss, you might think it would be to complain about playing time or something negative. She just came in with a single purpose. She wanted to know if I was all right. She cares about people.

I have no doubt Rainee is going to be successful in life and she is going to impact her community. The same characteristics that made her successful as a Streak player will make her successful in whatever she chooses to do. She will bring humility, talent, energy, and service to whatever she chooses to do.  

Massey- What did you study at ISU? What was your experience like at ISU? And how excited were you when you graduated?

Rainee- I studied Sociology at ISU. I had an unforgettable experience and made memories that will last a life time. I also had the pleasure of going to college with two of my very best friends from high school, which made for a pretty smooth transition. It was a great start to that journey to have that built in support system right from the beginning. Graduating was bitter sweet. (Although a tad more sweet) I miss being on campus and living life with my college friends and roomies everyday, but I do not miss the deadlines and hours of studying for exams and presentations constantly. That stress was something serious! Phew! 

Massey- Am I correct that you are headed into the social work field? What kind of job are you looking for? Why social work?

Rainee- Well, I've wanted to do something social work related for as long as I can remember. With my upbringing and just everything I've encountered so far in life, I just felt the social work field would be a good fit for me. As of right now I am a counselor at the Juvenile Detention Center (Mary Davis Home) here in town. Its going well so far and if nothing else, I'm sure the experience I'm gaining will help me with what ever is to come in the future.  

Massey- You have come back to Galesburg initially. Is this short term or long term or you just don't know?

Rainee- As far as short term or long term goes, I'm not really sure. More recently now than ever, I've begun to understand that God has a distinct plan for my future and unimaginable things in store for me. As long as I continue to work hard and seek his will for my life, he'll reveal these things in his time. How exciting, right!? 

Massey- I don't mean to be insulting but in JH you were not one of the better players and you were not one of the better students. In HS you were one of the better players and one of the better students. What happened? If you could talk to JH students about sports, life, and school- what would you want to say to them?

Rainee- No offense taken, coach! We've discussed this a few times before, and I completely agree with you. In Junior High, my work ethic was non existent and no one could tell me anything. I felt the world owed me something, and that everything I wanted should have been given to me and not earned. (Even though I was being taught the complete opposite at home) To be short and sweet, when I started high school, I simply decided it was time to grow up and to quit feeling sorry for myself. It was time to stop walking around with my hand out, expecting all these good things to fall into my lap, "because i deserved them". I started to see that my athleticism didn't guarantee starting positions or varsity relay teams, and my "as long as I pass" attitude in school wasn't going to work academically, for what I wanted long term. I'd tell JH students to think about what they want long term, think about the necessary steps to get there, and get to work pressing towards that! I'd tell them connections are great, last names can come in handy at times but ultimately it's the work I've put in and the attitude I've displayed during that work, that's helped me accomplish certain goals so far. 

Massey- You are a leader by your example- by your tremendous enthusiasm and tremendous energy. Is this just you or is it something you learned? What has inspired you to be this way?

Rainee- It's just me! I was raised by one of the most enthusiastic, energy givers I've ever known! My Uncle Jonny! He inspired me to choose joy every day and thats where my energy and enthusiasm comes from! 

Massey- Your Uncle Jon had a tremendous impact on so many people. What are some of the most important lessons that he gave you?

Rainee- A few of the most important lessons he taught me by example were:

1. Keep God first in my life and to be sure that all I say and do bring Glory to him. 

2. Unexplainable happiness comes from intentionally being a blessing to others 

3. Nothing good happens in complete darkness, so always keep a light on (spiritually and at home!) 

4. Bologna on a sweet roll is never a bad idea

Massey- What was your reaction when you found out that they want to name the underpass for him? What is his legacy, what do you want him to be remembered for?

Rainee- Hearing that the underpass would potentially be named after him was a honor. It warms my heart to see the love and respect so many people had for him. I hope he is remembered as the God fearing man he was. I hope his selflessness and servants heart are never forgotten, and his unshakable joy is remembered forever. I imagine I'm not the only one who will never forgot that laugh of his! 

Massey- What are some of your favorite memories from playing basketball?

Rainee- Being bumped up to Varsity the summer after my freshman year was unexplainably awesome.   Taking the court for conference games @ home and of course all of the team dinners were some of the best times I had in High school! 

Massey- Would you ever want to coach a sport?

Rainee- Ehh... I have never really thought about it. I loved playing, and being a fan from the stands. I'm not so sure about anything else! 

Massey- In ten years- what do you hope you are doing?

Rainee- Whatever my little heart desires! Oh, and Married with a few kids by then, too!