Streaks Alumni Profile: Teresa Powell 1981

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile is with Teresa Powell from the GHS Class of 1981. Teresa was a multi-sport athlete, playing volleyball, basketball, and track. She was one of the best three sport female athletes in GHS history. Teresa excelled in all three sports. She went onto play basketball and volleyball at Sandburg, and then volleyball for Western Illinois University. 

Teresa came back to Galesburg and was a long-time teacher at District #205. 

What were your favorite classes and teachers at GHS?

My favorite classes were American Studies with Patterson / Devore, World History with Mr. Moore, the Nursing Class with Judy Owens, and Advanced Biology with Mr. Maurizi. Yes, I loved school!

What are some of favorite memories from GHS?

My favorite memories were cheering on the Silver Streaks. From Friday Night Lights for Football, to cheering in the Basketball Student Section, we were very proud to be Silver Streaks. The dances after the games were something we looked forward to as well as cruising Main and Henderson St.

Oh, I forgot! Singing on the team bus on the way home from games!

Share your experience playing volleyball at WIU?

Attending and playing sports at CSC helped me develop as a player and prepared me for Division 1 Volleyball. It was another level. Playing against Big 10 teams was something I will never forget. 

How did you end up in Texas?

After receiving my teacher certification from Knox College, I was recruited to teach fifth grade in Killeen, Texas. One year later,  I moved and taught in the Dallas  and Coppell, Texas area. 

You came back to teach at Galesburg, what are you up to now?

After spending 10 years in Texas, I moved back to Galesburg and spent 23 years teaching and coaching at Churchill Jr. High.  In 2021, I retired after 33 years of teaching. My brother, mother, and I have all moved to Zephyrhills, Florida which is an hour north of Tampa. I work for a tutoring company in public schools where I work with 3rd-5th graders. 

What advice do you have for Streaks athletes?

1. Never Give Up!  There's nothing like a great comeback!
2.  Find a way to contribute to your team. Whether it is boxing out on every rebound, cheering and supporting your teammates from the bench, or challenging each other in practice. 
3.  Turn your weaknesses into your strengths.- I spent an entire summer working on my left hand dribble. Coaches will notice. 
4. Listen to your coaches. They see something in you that you may not see in yourself. 
5.  But most of all, have fun! And of course, winning is fun!

We will be watching from Florida, so we wish you a fantastic season!