It’s fitting that Rachel Stevens’ advice to aspiring young athletes is to not be afraid to try new sports. Stevens, a senior at Plant City High School, is a four-sport athlete for the Raiders: she’s been competing for the cheerleading, flag football, soccer and track and field teams throughout her time at the school. She recently set the school record in the girls pole vault and is looking forward to competing in several events at the April 26 regional tournament. She’s also senior class president and carries a 5.88 GPA.
Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.
You’ve played four varsity sports for PCHS and even snowboard every year. Is there anything you haven’t tried yet?
No. I like to stay active within the sports at the school, but I also like to do other different activities to keep me active.
Which is your favorite sport to play?
Soccer, because I get to be aggressive and be able to run a lot.
You’re doing pretty well in track and field this year, though.
Yes. I now hold the school record at eight feet, four inches. I’m going to try to beat that even more now.
When did you start track and field?
My junior year because my anatomy teacher was the coach for pole vault, and he said I should give it a try. Last year I tied the school record and I wasn’t able to break it, so that’s why in my senior year I was determined to beat the record, which I have.
How did you feel when you broke the record?
I felt really great. I just remember after I landed, I saw the bar was still up there and got excited to say I was finally able to hold the record.
Once your track and field season is over, that’s it for you.
Yes, our flag football season ended (Monday) and I was able to make the touchdown, we ended up going to overtime and winning, 13-12. It was great to win my last flag football game in my senior year. Hopefully I’ll be able to make it to states for track.
When high school’s over, what are you hoping you can look back on and say you’re proud to have accomplished?
I’m glad that I got to beat the record for pole vault. Hopefully I’ll be able to say that I hold the record for triple jump. Hopefully my sister that comes up to high school in two years, hopefully she’ll follow in my footsteps and play a sport, too.
What are your college plans?
I plan to attend HCC my first year to get my AA degree, then I plan to transfer to the University of Florida and major in elementary education so I can become a second grade teacher.
You’ve got this whole thing figured out already. What made you want to become a teacher?
My mom’s actually a second grade teacher. Growing up, having her tell me about her little class stories, I fell in love with helping kids out and I want to be able to teach the young students and follow in my mom’s footsteps.
What’s something you think you’ll miss most about high school?
Being on teams, all the friends I’ve made in the different kinds of sports I’ve played. I’ll miss them for sure.