Leah Kurihara and Destiney Hagberg

Mrs. Sass is one of Stacey’s amazing P.E. teachers who has taught many students and knows a lot about sports. She has a huge heart for the kids and loves teaching each of them.

The other day we asked her a few questions about teaching and her experience in sports.

Cougar Chronicle: How long have you been teaching at Stacey?

Mrs. Sass: I think around 14 years.

CC: How long have you been teaching overall?

S: About 25 years.

CC: What other schools did you teach at?

S: I taught at Meairs, Demille, and this school.

CC: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

S: I like watching the kids grow up from 6th grade to 8th grade.

CC: What other sports do you coach?

S: I coach softball, basketball, and volleyball.

CC: If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing?

S: I would like work for a sports organization doing something. Maybe sports administration.

CC: What drew you to become a P.E. teacher?

S: I like being outside. I like playing games with the kids. I can’t sit inside at a desk.

CC: What sports did you play in school?

S: I played volleyball, softball, and basketball.

CC: Did you always have an interest in sports?

S: Yes, ever since I was 3 or 4.

CC: What is your favorite sport to watch?

S: Probably softball, although I like basketball too.

CC: What was/is your favorite sport to play?

S: Probably softball.

CC: Do you have any kids? If so, how many?

S: I have two kids, and I am going to be a grandma.

CC: Where did you go to college?

S: I went to Orange Coast College and Cal State Long Beach with Mr. Ouellette.

CC: What grades do you teach?

S: I teach sixth, seventh and eighth grade.

CC: What did you plan on being after high school?

S: I wanted to be an athletic trainer, but there weren’t many jobs for that, so I switched to teaching.

CC: Did your parents encourage you to do sports when you were little?

S: Yes, my parents signed me up for sports. Both of my parents were good athletes.

CC: Anything special going on right now?

S: I’m going to be a grandma soon!

We are very grateful for your time, Mrs. Sass, and we appreciate all you do for the students at Stacey. Congratulations on the new grandbaby! You will be a great grandma.