What are some of your favorite memories from your GHS years?
My top memories include the team winning our first regional title in 1988, which was the start of many more incredible wins for the years to follow as the program just continued to grow and develop as the players committed to excellence.
I remember our trip to the Doug Bruno camp, which was full of hard work, but we walked away with tremendous memories together as a team. It was amazing to attend a Chicago Bulls basketball game to see Michael Jordan play, along with many other fantastic players. It truly was remarkable to have the opportunity to attend a game together as a team. Great Memories!
Honestly, the off season training times were so memorable for me, as we made the commitment together as a team to do whatever it took to get better.
Lastly, a final top memory for me was when we hosted the Sectional game against Moline. The gym was packed and it was an intense game, as usual when we played Moline. It was a tough loss, but a memory that will stay with me.
What did you do after GHS graduation?
I attended Carl Sandburg College for 2 years, with a full basketball and softball athletic scholarship. After graduating from CSC, I continued to play on a partial basketball scholarship at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. I also played softball at the university. I graduated in 1994, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise/Fitness and a minor in health/athletic training.
I moved home after I graduated and started to work for a local physical therapy clinic. I was active at the clinic as an admin assistant and physical therapy assistant, while attending area games for local schools to support them as an athletic trainer. I was an assistant coach with Knox College, volleyball/softball, for one year.
In 1995, I met Roger Stewart, and we were married April 6, 1996, in Galesburg. We moved to Farmington Hills, Michigan, as he was hired as a Youth Pastor for the Church of God. I continued to work at physical therapy clinics and volunteer at the church, assisting with the youth and women's ministry.
We had our first child, Stephen, in June 1999. We moved to Morden, Manitoba, Canada, Feb 2000, where Roger was hired as the Senior Pastor for the Morden Church of God. Moving to a new country, I had to wait a few months to begin any work, so I volunteered at the local church. We had our second child, Sarah, in Sept. 2001.
What have you done career-wise?
In 2003, I was hired to begin substitute teaching in Morden at the high school. I coached the girls high school softball team that year, which was an amazing start to coaching for me. In August 2004, Roger was hired as the Sr Pastor for the West Edmonton Church of God, (Edmonton, Alberta), to do a restart for this church. We have been here ever since and love this place.
Our children attended Millwoods Christian School for grades Kind - Grade 12. A super positive experience for them. I was hired as an Educational Assistant, with Millwoods Christian School, where I began my basketball coaching in Jr High program. I also was involved in coaching community/club softball with Sarah's fastball teams, starting in 2008 until she finished playing softball in 2018.
In 2007, I decided to complete my education degree in Edmonton, at the University of Alberta, in the after degree program, since I already had a science degree. I became a full time teacher, working for Edmonton Public School District, at Millwoods Christian School in March 2011. Over the next few years, I had the opportunity to teach a variety of grades - Kindergarten, Gr. 1, Gr. 2, Gr. 4, and Gr. 5.
In 2016, I moved into the Jr High classes, focusing on Math, Science and Phys Ed. I was so excited to work with this age group as this truly is where my passion is as I watch young students grow and mature through Jr and Sr High. In 2018, I had the privilege to apply and receive the Phys Ed Department Head (K-12) and Jr/Sr High Athletic Director position. I am currently in this position and have truly enjoyed this leadership position as I pour into the lives of many different people.
I have remained as an active basketball coach for both the Jr and Sr High programs. Another key area for me, is being involved in our Christian Studies program, where I teach a CS class each year, for the high school program, and attend as a leader for our international service trips to Mexico/Belize. I have been a part of these trips for over 10 years at the school. I have been blessed to serve in the following places: Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Belize. It has been inspiring to have the opportunity to help other teachers and students in their schools as we serve in any way we can to bless them.
What are you up to these days?
I am active in our local church, as my husband is still the Sr Pastor and we are blessed with an amazing community of people. Our children, Stephen and Sarah, both live in Calgary, Alberta, (about 3 hours from Edmonton). Stephen graduated from Ambrose with a Bachelor of Theology degree in 2023 and a Bachelor of Arts (General Studies) in 2025. He currently is an area director for Young Life Ministries (non-profit organization reaching out to students in local schools). He is active in coaching volleyball, basketball, and soccer at Masters College High School, in Calgary.
Sarah graduated from Ambrose with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2025, specializing in social work with women's shelters. She is currently providing respite care for a young adult with autism and seeking a full time job in a local women's shelter. Both of our kids are active in the local church where they live by volunteering time in worship leading and kids/youth ministry. They both participate in community adult rec leagues in volleyball, basketball, soccer and softball. They love to be active!
After our kids went off to college, Roger and I needed to find something we enjoyed doing together. This is when we discovered bike riding together. We invested in some good gravel bikes and took on the Oregon Coast as our first adventure. Wow - what an experience, as we carried our stuff on the bikes and camped in different places each day as we rode the coast over 11 days. Since then, we have ridden in Washington, the Oregon coast again (this time fully supported), British Columbia, and many places within Alberta. Our next adventure may include riding a tandem bike together.
I still try to visit Galesburg, once a year to visit my family, who I miss dearly as we live far away from each other, but I am thankful for each time we get to see one another.
What advice would you have for Streaks athletes today?
My biggest advice for today's Silver Streak athletes is to follow your passions with all of your heart. I think it is crucial to know what true commitment is and means to you and your team. You need to be responsible and be held accountable. Have a mentor in your life who can guide and direct your steps. Life can be tricky and hard at times, and it helps to have that person you trust who can tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. I have learned over the years that when little things take place, bigger things will happen in your life. It is all about dedication and commitment to yourself and others. Persevere in life and don't give up when things get hard. It is worth it!
Streaks Basketball Alums….help me out….
If you earned a varsity letter in girls or boys basketball at GHS- I would really like to include you in “Streaks Basketball Alumni Spotlight.” If you want to be included in the “Streaks Basketball Alumni Spotlight,” simply answer the questions below. (Note- if you are a female who played varsity basketball in the 1970’s before GHS gave females varsity letters- please jump in!!) Either text or email your responses and pictures to addresses below.
1- What year did you graduate?
2- What was your favorite class (classes), favorite teacher (teachers)?
3- What are a few of your favorite memories from GHS?
4- What did you do right after high school?
5- Where and what did you do for a career?
6- Share as much as you want of what you are doing now- still working, where are you, family, etc.
7- What advice would you have for today’s Silver Streak athletes?
If you have pictures from high school, send them OR I will get some pictures from yearbooks from when you were in school. Could you send me a picture of yourself or your family now?
Simple either text me at 309-368-0008, or email me at emass70@yahoo.com
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