What is your name? Gracyn Polk
How old are you? 21
Where do you attend school(if applicable) Wingate University, Physical Therapy School
What sport(s) do you play? Softball
Why did you first choose your sport? I chose the game of softball as my dad played baseball all his life and both of my grandfathers coached baseball, making softball the closest thing to what they were all involved in, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.
Why do you continue to play your sport? I continue to play softball as I have fallen in love with the feeling of getting a clutch hit in a tight game, or diving and catching a ball that no one thought I would. The adrenaline I get from playing well and helping my team win is unlike anything else and keeps me driven to keep playing the game I love.
If you could achieve anything you wished for in your sport, what would it be? I would wish to receive the honors of first or second team all-conference during my upcoming senior season.
How important is achieving your sporting goals to you? Very important as I have worked hard my entire life to be at the level I am now and wish to look back and be proud of all the accomplishments, big or small that I have made along my journey.
What is your favorite sports quote? “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
What emotions do you feel when you play well? I feel an overwhelming sense of joy and pride in all of the work I put in prior to that game to make my successes happen.
What is your favorite song to listen to prior to competing? “See a Victory” -Elevation Worship
What is your favorite movie about sports? The Sandlot
How does being an athlete make you a better person? Through my experiences in softball, I have learned how to communicate better with others, not let failure discourage me, and have confidence in who I am and what I stand for.
What is the one thing you always do after a good performance? Go out to eat with my family.
What do you do to calm your butterflies while you compete? I pray, reciting a few of my favorite bible verses to myself.
If you could play another sport what would it be? Volleyball
What age were you when you started your sport? 6
What is your favorite food to eat the night before a big competition? Anything Italian!!!
Who inspired you as a young athlete? My father
What one word describes you? hard-working
Who was your favorite coach and why? My hitting coach growing up, Janiva Willis, as she pushed me to not only be the best softball player I could be, but also the best version of myself. I knew I could always count on her for support and advice.
What do you give up to play sports? A lot of my free time that I could be resting or catching up on homework, as well as time spent with friends and family.
What is your favorite place to compete? Under the lights
What mental tool do you use under pressure? I talk to myself and remind myself to trust my preparation and abilities.
What is your favorite mantra? I was built for this moment!!!
Do you think attitude is a factor in winning? Absolutely, a bad attitude can be the root cause of poor performance or poor team chemistry.
How does being an athlete inspire you to do good? It has inspired me to get more involved in my community and helping inspire the younger generations to play my sport. Also, it has pushed me to pursue the career of physical therapy, in which I aim to help individual recover from sports injuries as someone helped me.
How does athletics make you a better student or worker? Pushes me to have better time management and organization, as well as put all of my effort into everything I do.
