Posted: Apr 21, 2020

AMCAT Conversations: Hezekiah Adeyeye, Jenna Grande, and Sara Sammons

The AMCAT Conversations series is a way to allow others to get to know the student-athletes of Anna Maria College on and off the field/court. We hope you enjoy their conversation.

PAXTON, MA - In our second edition of AMCAT Conversations, we sat down with men's soccer midfielder, Hezekiah Adeyeye. Adeyeye is a freshman from Woonsocket, RI, and a Criminal Justice major who attended Woonsocket High School. Next, is women's volleyball outside hitter, Jenna Grande. Grande is a sophomore Social Work major from Whitman, MA where she attended South Shore Vocational Technical. Finally, we talked with women's hockey forward, Sara Sammons. Sammons is a freshman who arrived on campus from Newbridge Academy in Western Australia, AUS.

Why Anna Maria College? Why Division III?

Adyeye: It is a chill place that is not too big and easy to get around. It is also easy to meet new people and interact with others. Division III is a place that allows you to show why you are the select few who get to play college sports because you will get that opportunity, it just depends on what you do with it.

Grande: I chose Anna Maria because of the small campus and the close-knit community. As for Division III sports, I’m not the best athlete but I work hard and give it all that I have. Going to Anna Maria gave me a chance to continue playing sports while I prepare for my career.

Sammons: The school offered everything I was looking for. A great focus on education, along with hockey opportunities that exceed those in Australia.

What is your favorite class and professor?

Adeyeye: My favorite class is Policing In America, and favorite professors are either Professor Sanderson or Professor Silvestri

Grande: My favorite class so far is probably Foundations of Addiction Studies, and my favorite professor is Professor James DiReda.

Sammons: My favorite class would have to be Exercise Philosophy, my favorite professor is Professor Fournier.

What is your favorite place on campus?

Adeyeye: The Hub, I love food.

Grande: Either the volleyball court or the lax field.

Sammons: Room 301 or the gym, specifically the chin-up bar.

What motivates you to work hard?

Adeyeye: The Haters.

Grande: My team motivates me to work hard. When I see them working hard, it makes me want to work hard because I don’t want to let them or anyone down.

Sammons: The sacrifices of my parents to send me across the world to pursue my passion for hockey and securing a good education. They truly allow me to “live the dream”.

Who is your favorite school to play against?

Adeyeye: Easily Becker, five-goal game.

Grande: Johnson and Wales University.

Sammons: My favorite school to play against would be Becker. It’s a great cross-town rivalry.

Who is your favorite professional team?

Adeyeye: Manchester United.

Grande: New England Patriots.

Sammons: My favorite professional teams are the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team, and the Australian Women’s National Soccer Team.

What three people would you invite to a dream dinner party?

Adeyeye: David Beckham, Christiano Ronaldo, and Neymar.

Grande: I honestly can't decide.

Sammons: Sam Kerr, Michelle Obama, and Mrs. Adam (my 10th-grade English teacher).

What would you eat at this dinner?

Adeyeye: Chicken Parm.

Grande: N/A

Sammons: Tacos.

Who is your hero?

Adeyeye: My mom.

Grande: My nana.

Sammons: My mother is my hero. She truly is the strongest person I know and I hope to be half the person she is one day.

If you could choose to do only one thing for a day, what would it be?

Adeyeye: That's tough, I'm not sure.

Grande: Going to the beach.

Sammons: Playing 3v3 hockey on the ice.

What are some of your hobbies?

Adeyeye: Sports, NBA 2K, and chilling with my friends.

Grande: Swimming and playing sports.

Sammons: Watching crime shows, working out, and hanging out with my dog.

What sports did you play growing up?

Adeyeye: Football, track, and baseball.

Grande: Growing up I played softball starting at eight through senior year in high school. I also played basketball too.

Sammons: Hockey, Australian Rules Football, Soccer, Basketball, Track, and Cricket.

If you had superpowers, what would they be and what would be your superhero name?

Adeyeye: Not sure.

Grande: I’d probably have the power to fly and super strength

Sammons: My superhero name would be Backcheck. My power would be to make sure I have the jets strapped on, especially during practice. I may have got called out once for that, and never to be again, hopefully.

What is your favorite movie?

Adeyeye: When the game stands tall.

Grande: The Goonies.

Sammons: Shutter Island.

What is your favorite TV show to binge?

Adeyeye: Prison Break.

Grande: Currently, it is Grey's Anatomy.

Sammons: Brooklyn nine-nine.

If you had to describe yourself as an animal, what would it be?

Adeyeye: Cheetah.

Grande: Maybe a turtle because they are super chill.

Sammons: I think I would describe myself as an owl. I am always trying to see and understand the bigger picture.