COLLEGE SIGNING … Montpelier senior Alyssa Bass recently signed her letter of intent to join the Trine University Acrobatics and Tumbling Team. She is joined at her signing day by her parents Greg and Shannon Bass, Tammy and Mike Abrams and her cheer coach Kailee Mitchell. (PHOTO PROVIDED)
By: Nate Calvin
MONTPELIER – Being in athletics can teach a person a lot of things, including perseverance, and Montpelier senior Alyssa Bass is a perfect example.
Recently Bass signed a letter of intent to further her education at Trine University in Angola where she will also be a member of the Acrobatics and Tumbling Team.
“Although I’m deaf in my right ear, my inner ear never developed, I have never let that affect my decisions to play sports or any other part of my life really”, Bass said.
“My parents were also very supportive. They attended all my events, both sports and academics.”
“They went in the rain, snow, and no matter what the weather or all their other problems and responsibilities.”
“They were always there cheering me on. My coaches also helped push me when I thought I couldn’t do more or keep going.”
“My high school cheerleading coach Kailee Mitchell really helped me improve my skills, especially in tumbling, but she also helped me on a more personal level to become the leader she knew I could be.”
Bass originally thought of attending Bowling State University, but quickly decided Trine was the place for her after a visit.
“I visited several colleges on visits from school and with my parents. I had originally thought of attending Bowling Green State University, until visiting Trine”, she explained.
“Coming from a small town and school, I felt much more comfortable at Trine due to the size when compared to colleges such as BG. The people are what really sold me on Trine.”
“Both times we visited Trine, everyone from faculty and staff to the students were so welcoming and friendly. I really liked the feel and environment of the school.”
Bass will be majoring in Psychology and has plans to continue to obtain a master’s degree and earn a doctorate.
“Originally, I was interested in social work and as I researched and looked at colleges and different programs, I landed on Psychology as a major.”
“One of my main reasons for Psychology is that I enjoy learning about behavior and how the brain works but more so, I really want to help people”, she explained.
Bass has been on the honor roll all four years of high school while participating in football and basketball cheerleading.
On top of that, she has received the Most Spirited Award, Varsity Captain Award, and has finished in the top two in the tumble off at the Williams County fair on two occasions.
Her mom Tammy Abrams added, “Alyssa has always struggled with having confidence in herself because of her being deaf in one ear and also her height.”
“Alyssa is only 4’10” but she never lets that slow her down. She always finds a way to get through anything that is thrown her way.”
“She was going to school, cheerleading, and working in a factory part-time and still never let her grades suffer.”
“She will bring a lot of energy to the Trine Acro and Tumbling team. I am so proud of her and everything she has accomplished and will continue to accomplish.”
“While I am sad to see her go off to college, I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for her.”
“I learned a lot of lessons from sports. I learned to set goals and to achieve them”, added Bass.
“I also learned to see things all the way through even when things aren’t going well or the way I want them to, dedication.”
“I think the most important thing was teamwork. Teamwork taught me to build friendships, work together as a team, include others and even compromise for the good of the team.”
Nate can be reached at sports@thevillagereporter.com