Area stars have many reasons to be thankful

Area stars have many reasons to be thankful
Thanks to this profession, I’ve met some incredible people.
I’m thankful I have had the opportunity to cover them in athletics and even more thankful that they’ve become friends.
As I did last year, I’ve asked several what they are thankful for and they were nice enough to share their thoughts with me.
(Meredith Knox, former Washington star and current Anderson University softball player)
“There is so much in my life to be thankful for. First of all, I give all my thanks to God for all of the blessings that He has given me. My family is one of the biggest blessings in my life. Without them, I don't know where I would be. I am also so thankful for my close friends who have impacted my life so much. I love the fact that I get to continue to play sports at the collegiate level. I feel so honored to get the chance to do that. And, lastly, I thank God so much for the blessing of my little niece, Lilly, who was only here for a short time but touched so many lives.”
(T.J. Hose, ECU standout pitcher)
“I'm thankful for my family and friends. I'm thankful for being a baseball player here at ECU and all of the great people I have met at ECU. Lastly, I’m thankful for my relationship with God and all of the blessings He has bestowed upon me.”
(M.J. Williams, former Mattamuskeet star and current Lees-McRae softball player)
“I am most thankful for my family for supporting me and always being there throughout my four years of college. I am thankful for all of my friends that I have met and made at Louisburg and Lees-McRae. I’m thankful for God and how He has kept me safe and allowing me to continue playing softball in college.”
(Joe Davis, former Emmanuel star and current USMMA basketball player)
“I'm thankful for God, family, good health and for making it this far at a military service academy.”
(Elton Coffield, former Williamston great and current BSW Sixers basketball player)
“I’m thankful for my family and friends support while I’m over here in Germany, getting paid for what I love to do.”
(Marella Peele, former Washington star and current Elon student)
“I am thankful that I have made it to my senior year at Elon University and for the wonderful and challenging journey that has been. I am very thankful for the joy and support that comes from my family and friends and all the good and hard experiences in college that have enriched my life tremendously. I'm also thankful God knows where I'll be after graduation because right now, I haven't got a clue!”
(Rufus Wilson, former Washington great)
“I am very thankful for my wife, Nikole, and my beautiful two little girls, Ruhkayla and Ruhkaitlyn, as well as my mother and father (Brenda and Pete) for all of their support throughout the years.”
(Augusta Johnson, former Southside star and current Pitt Community College volleyball player)
“I’m thankful to have my family supporting me in everything I do and to help push me to keep that drive I have to get accepted into the nursing program at Pitt. I’m thankful for my best friend and my boyfriend for both being true to me and being the best there is.”
(Marshall Fowle, former Washington standout and current N.C. State student)
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity that was given to me to be able to play sports in the first place. There are many people all over the world that would love to do what I did, and because I was lucky enough to be given the chance, I am very thankful. I am also very thankful for the opportunity to attend a great university and further my education, and I couldn't have done this all without my loving family and friends.”
(Cameron Whitehead, former Washington star and current ECU student)
“I am very thankful for the wonderful friends and family that I am so very lucky to have. I am also very thankful for the talents I have been given to play sports. God has truly blessed my life, in more ways than one.”
(Meredith Whitehead, former Washington standout and current D.H. Conley teacher and coach)
“I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends. I’, thankful for the many opportunities I have in my life to play sports. I am thankful for all God has given me.”
(Nigel Rodgers, former Washington standout and current N.C. Wesleyan football player)
“I’m thankful for my family and friends, being healthy, and being alive another day.”
(Kelley Wernert, record-setting volleyball player at ECU)
“I'm thankful for the health and support of my family. I'm so glad I get to spend the holidays back at home with those people closest to me. I'm thankful for such an understanding and fun roommate this year, and my ability to make people laugh and smile. I'm also extremely thankful for my athletic ability and my success as a Division 1 volleyball player!”
(Trent Whitehead, former Washington great and current ECU baseball player)
“I’m thankful for the break we have. After the months of 5 a.m. lifts, baseball practice, classes and study hall, I’m thankful for being able to spend these next few days with family and friends, some who I haven’t seen in a while.”
(Jessica Johnson, ECU softball player)
“I'm thankful for my health, my loving family, all of my amazing friends, and my bulldog, Butkus.”
(Gina Valenti, former Washington star and current Lees-McRae cross country star)
“I am thankful for everyone who cheered me on, even if they were from a different team.
I am thankful for my team in ninth grade, who believed that I could accomplish more than I had ever dreamed of. I am thankful for those who helped me, not only in running, but in school and everyday life.”
(Beth Nolan, ECU softball player)
“I have a lot to be thankful for! I am thankful for my family; I am thankful for my health; I am thankful for having such great friends; I am thankful for being able to spend thanksgiving with my family.”
(Stephanie Holton, former Columbia great and current Shenandoah University basketball player)
“I’m extremely thankful for the family and friends God has blessed me with. If it hadn’t been for them, I wouldn't have made it to where I am today! Especially my dad, mom and brother -- they pushed me to always do my best and were there for me through all I've went through. They all had their own part in shaping me into who I have grown to be!”
(Darryl Lawhorn, former ECU baseball great and current professional baseball player)
“I’m thankful for my family and friends who have encouraged me to continue pursuing my goals. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to play under one of the greatest coaches and men I have ever met; that, of course, is Coach Keith LeClair. I’m also thankful to all Pirates fans who support all ECU athletes and continue to do so.”
(Rachel Perkinson, former Washington star and current ECU student)
“I am thankful for my family and friends, and all of the people who have supported me throughout the years. I am thankful for all of the opportunities I have been given at Washington High School, and I am thankful for the new experiences at East Carolina University this year.”
(Lizzy Bruin, ECU volleyball player)
“I'm thankful for all the opportunities given to me because it didn't seem possible in my upbringing. I'm thankful for my friends and family for always being here. I'm thankful for being able to get out of the bad situations that all my friends from back home are still in. I am thankful for life in general. I am thankful for everything I have and don't have. Life is great on its own”
(Ashley Nanney, former Southside star and current N.C. State cheerleader)
“I am thankful for being able to come home to good ole Beaufort County to eat collards and corn puddin’ with my family.”
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Kevin Travis is the sports editor of the Washington Daily News. You may reach him at 940-4217, or by e-mail at Kevin@wdnweb.com. You may also view his blog, KT’s Take On Sports, at http://wdnsports.blogspot.com