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!
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