Student-athlete Sydney Pease aspires to be “the person behind the learning”

For HFC student Sydney Pease, juggling academics and athletics could be challenging at times. But she was determined.

“You have to find a way to make it work. The people at HFC have been very supportive. The College has prepared me well for the next step in my academic career. It offers many different transfer events, extra help, and opportunities that will make me stand out,” said Pease, of Pinckney, a member of the Henry Ford II Honors Program and the HFC softball team.

Aspires to a career in teaching

The eldest of three sisters, Pease is an alumna of Pinckney High School, where she was a member of the softball and volleyball teams. She has been playing softball since age 5.

“After my parents put me in tee ball, I fell in love with it,” she said. “My mom is such an amazing person; I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am today without her.”

Pease is attending HFC on an honors scholarship and an athletic scholarship. She is majoring in pre-elementary education at HFC and will graduate at the end of 2023. Afterward, Pease plans to transfer to Eastern Michigan University, where she will major in elementary education. Her goal is become a teacher and a coach.

“I've always wanted to be a teacher since I started school,” said Pease. “The idea of being the person behind learning has always fascinated me.”

Coach Brown, the team, and ESPN

It was Coach Steve Brown who recruited Pease to play softball for HFC.

“Coach Brown and the team were the main reasons I was attracted to HFC. Coach Brown was so welcoming and so was the team. I feel I made lifetime friendships this year,” said Pease. “I love playing for Coach Brown. He wants us all to succeed and have fun at the same time, which made this season very enjoyable.”

She continued: “The best part about playing softball at HFC is the friendships and relationships. I have great relationships with all of my coaches and teammates, and that is very important to me.”

The softball team finished third in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association Eastern Conference with a record of 17-13. The Hawks’ overall record for this season is 21-17. One of the highlights of this season was being featured as the National Junior College Athletic Association Game of the Week on ESPN+. Pease confessed that she had her misgivings about being on national TV.

“I was very nervous to be on ESPN, but when I was out there playing, I didn't even think about that,” she said. “I was focused on the game and so were my teammates, which is why we succeeded.”

Pitcher of the Week

One milestone for Pease this season was being named Pitcher of the Week by the MCCAA.

“That was quite an honor!” she said. “To be a freshman winning that award felt amazing!”

Brown is proud of Pease and all of her accomplishments.

“Sydney is a great teammate, great leader, and great person. Very caring and compassionate,” said Brown. “She was our No. 1 pitcher on the team, going 11-5 this season. She’s also doing very well in the Honors Program. She has a bright future ahead.”