| School: Cleveland | Graduation Year: 2001 |
Year Inducted: 2020
Sport Played: Tennis
High School Honors: 4 Tennis Letters, PIL Singles Champion all four years. 3rd Place in State doubles with her sister Cristin Sammis Bansen as a Senior.
Post High School Career: University of North Texas, BA degree in Applied Arts & Sciences while attending on a full-ride Tennis scholarship, earning four letters. Masters degree in Education from George Fox University, 2006. Taught PE to 1st through 5th graders at the American School in Dubai from 2007-11, and coached Tennis in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Taught 5th grade in Wisconsin 4 years; presently teaching 2nd grade at Kinnaman School in Beaverton and serves as a Yoga instructor for adults. While participating in a Tennis Clinic in UAE, played tennis with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Commentary:
I have played tennis since I was eight years old, and to this day, it holds a special place in my heart. Tennis has been a common thread in my life and has given me many opportunities that I might not have had otherwise. I am forever grateful for this sport as it has taught me dedication, patience, and hard work. These skills have helped shape me into the person that I am today. I will never forget the the coaches and teammates I had in high school as they had an immense impact on me.
I am incredibly grateful for my family. They have shown me unconditional love and support throughout my life and without them my success would not be possible.