Travis Kerr
Coeur d’Alene High School
Photo by Cheryl Nichols Photography
Coeur d’Alene High School senior Travis Kerr first began to play sports his freshman year. And when he did, he went all in.
“I played football all four years, wrestled freshman and sophomore years, started track and field my junior year, and am currently competing in shot-put and discus,” said Travis, who was named All-League and First Team All-State offensive lineman his senior year.
“My first year of track and field, I was a league champion and placed sixth at state for shot-put. I was a Panhandle Kiwanis scholar of the month and have maintained above a 4.0 GPA since middle school,” he said. Travis has plans to attend the University of Idaho in the fall where he will study chemical engineering.
Being involved in sports has offered the opportunity to form bonds with his teammates and coaches, and for that Travis is grateful.
“It really is a family away from home where everyone wants the best for all of the players on the team and everyone is willing to put in the time to help each other become the best version of themselves. My success in high school athletics is directly because of the time and effort that every coach and player put into practice every day,” said Travis.
One major lesson he has learned from all of his coaches over the years is that nothing in life that truly matters is ever going to come easy. “It takes years of hard work and dedication to be successful. It does not matter what background you have. With enough effort and time, anyone can be successful in anything they choose.”
Emma Gray
Lake City High School
Photo by Cheryl Nichols Photography
A senior at Lake City High School, Emma Gray is a devoted softball player whose talent has been recognized by the Inland Empire League. Emma was awarded Outfielder of the Year both her freshman and sophomore years.
Emma said one of the biggest challenges she has had is trying to stay positive and not let things get her down. But thanks to her teammates, she has overcome those challenges. “One thing that I enjoy the most about softball is that on a team you are always friends with the players, and we are all one big family,” said Emma.
In the fall, she plans to attend North Idaho College, where she will continue to play softball at the collegiate level. When it comes to a career, Emma has narrowed her choices down to a physical therapist or an elementary school teacher.
Her interest in physical therapy stems from her desire to learn more about the body’s muscular system and how one’s body moves. “And I want to be a teacher because I love kids, and elementary school has such a great environment,” Emma said.
There are many life lessons that one can gain from being involved in sports. For Emma, she said an important lesson she has learned is to never give up. “Play for your teammates, not just yourself,” she said.