Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile is Sarah Pacheco of the GHS Class of 2001.
Sarah had one of the greatest basketball careers at GHS. She was on the varsity all four years. During that time her teams won 3 WB6 Championships, 4 Regionals, 4 Sectionals, and 4 Super-Sectionals. Her teams finished 4th in State twice, and 2nd in State once.
She went on to play for ICC, where her teams finished 3rd in Nationals and won the National Championship.
As a basketball player, Sarah could do it all. She was 6’0” and physical, so was unstoppable inside. She was quick, agile, and could shoot, so she could play on the perimeter.
She was an intense competitor but also fun to be around. She was a great to have on our team, and was great to coach!!
Sports and Activities
Basketball, Softball, and Track (1 year).
Favorite Teachers/Classes
Coach Massey and Coach Peachy of course…. I cannot say I had a favorite class unless you can consider P.E or lunch as a class
Best Memories of Galesburg and GHS
Most of my favorite memories are connected to basketball. They range from the early days at the YMCA—when I barely knew which end of the court to run toward—to blasting "C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)" with my fellow Lombard Zephyrs. Most cherished memories are the long summers of basketball camps. From the train rides to the University of Michigan for our summer camp trips. And of course, the incredible experiences of reaching the State finals of all four years of high school.
Post-GHS Education
I attended Illinois Central College for two years, where my primary focus was playing basketball….. no reason to be dishonest here 😊 But we did end up placing 3rd at Nationals my 1st year and became National Champions my 2nd year.
Career Path
I didn’t necessarily choose my career, but it seems I ended up making one for myself. I started at Caterpillar as a Switchboard Operator, but I quickly realized after 3 months I needed a faster-paced environment. I spent the next 20 years at Caterpillar growing through various roles in Manufacturing and Supply Chain, from Logistics Planning Analyst, Logistics Planning Engineer, Supply Chain Manager of Dock and Kitting Operations, and Supply Chain Manager of Inventory Record Accuracy. Five years ago, I began a new adventure with Rivian Automotive in Bloomington, IL. Rivian is an electric vehicle manufacturer focused on clean energy. In my time here, I’ve helped create and build processes, design systems to support vehicle builds, and establish training programs for new hires. Currently, I am a System Integration Specialist, managing inventory discrepancies and driving corrective actions.
Family and Current Life
I met my old man Brent at Illinois Central College while he was playing baseball, and I was playing basketball. We have one beautiful, amazing, and talented son, Camron, who has kept us busy and on our toes for over 20 years. We are still adjusting to being "empty nesters" now that Camron is in his second year at Carl Sandburg College, where he also plays basketball. While the house is quieter, it isn't empty as we have three dogs—Zoey, Zion, and Zuke—and we get visits from Camron’s cat, Bailey when he is home visiting from college. A fun fact from this past summer: our family discovered boating life. Brent and I bought a boat, and Camron decided to buy one as well just a week later! So, if you don’t see us in the streets of Peoria Heights on our scooters you will find us on the water.
Advice for Present GHS Students/Athletes
It does not matter how many times you get knocked down….. it matters that you continue to get back up and try again😊 Work on the mindset of glass half full and not glass half empty!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment