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| A highlight of Michelle's career came when she went over 1,000 career points as a junior. |
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| The shooting touch has made her one of the best players in Covington history. |
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Team
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CCC
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ALL
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Covington
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11-0
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17-3
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Arcanum
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10-1
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16-4
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Franklin Monroe
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9-2
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13-7
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Tri-Village
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7-4
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11-9
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Ansonia
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7-4
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9-11
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National Trail
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6-5
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9-11
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Mississinawa Valley
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6-5
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7-13
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Bethel
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4-7
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6-14
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Tri-County North
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3-8
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4-16
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Newton
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2-9
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5-15
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Bradford
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1-10
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1-19
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Twin Valley South
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0-11
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2-18
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When the name Michelle Meyer comes up, the first thing that comes to mind is what she has accomplished on the basketball court in her four years at Covington High School. You've probably saw or heard about the 1,560 career points, the three 20-win seasons, all of the tournament runs, and so on.
But, who knows the real Michelle, or Mitch, as most people call her?
To gain a better understanding of what makes Mitch, Mitch, you have go back through her up-bringing and her family life.
Michelle Meyer was born into a family of strong faith. Being the third of three children to Jay and Lori Meyer, she has learned about life through the experiences of her parents and her two older brothers, Jason and Jordan.
Michelle's father, Jay was a standout basketball player at Covington in the mid-seventies. He was just the third player to score 1,000 career points in the day prior to the three-point line. Jay went on to play college basketball at Ohio Northern University and earned a degree as a Pharmacist, which he utilized to build HealthCare Pharmacy into a successful business.
Michelle's mother, Lori played high school basketball at Milton-Union and scored 471 career points in two years. She was also a part of the only district championship team at Milton and also earned a trip to state in tennis.
The oldest of the Meyer children, Jason, was also a standout basketball player at Covington and currently ranks second on the all-time career scoring list in boys basketball with 1,492 points. Jason, known also as Juice, is currently playing college basketball at Dartmouth.
Then there is the Meyer's second child, Jordan. Born autistic, Jordan has been a source of inspiration for all of the Meyers and his condition has helped mold the family into what they are today.
In Michelle's case, being the youngest she has witnessed all of the trials and tribulations throughout her childhood.
"Jordy required so much attention it forced me to be more responsible at a younger age," said Michelle. "While other kids were worried about what they would do for the day, I was always worried Jordy would fall down the stairs or something and wouldn't make it to the next day. That was always a fear I had."
Michelle's worst fears almost became reality on her birthday of her junior season.
Jordy swallowed a hair clip and began to choke. Michelle and Jason, who was home rehabbing an ankle injury, sat in fear watching their mother struggle to get the object out. Michelle feared the worst.
"I was sitting there watching my brother turn purple, while my mom was trying to get the hair clip out," described Michelle. "Fortunately a part of the hair clip came out, but my mom and dad had to rush him to the hospital to make sure there wasn't another piece still there."
While Jay and Lori went to the hospital with Jordy, a worried Michelle made her way to the high school for a game at Arcanum later that night.
"I went to the game and I was a mess," said Michelle. "I kept thinking about Jordy and wondered if he was OK. During the game my parents walked in with Jordy and I just broke down on the court. I was so happy he was OK that I wasn't even thinking about the game."
Jordy's condition has had an effect on all of the Meyers as it has made them stronger with their faith and appreciate life's precious gifts perhaps more than the average family.
"We're not perfect by any means," says Lori. "Our kids are not perfect. We have our problems like everyone else. But through it all we have managed to become stronger in our faith."
The faith Jay and Lori have in God is something they have managed to pass along to their kids.
"We don't sit down and have bible study every night," continued Jay. "But, we have always believed in prayer. Our kids have seen that and become one with God as well. That's the best gift we could have given them."
Michelle's faith has gotten her through adversity on and off the court. One such instance of adversity forced her to give up volleyball due to severe shin splints, a decision that she struggled with for some time.
"I love volleyball, but I was hurting so bad," said Michelle. "I knew in order for me to accomplish my dream of playing college basketball, I had to stay healthy during basketball season. If I continued to play volleyball, there was no way I would have been healthy for basketball."
Even though she gave up volleyball, it took mental toughness to stay positive and come back strong for basketball season. She drew strength from witnessing her brother, Jason, overcome a severe ankle injury and return to the court.
"I saw what Jason went through with his ankle and it inspired me," said Michelle. "At times I wanted to throw in the towel, but I sat down with my parents and they encouraged me. I knew if I had given up it would have been a bad example for the kids who will follow in my footsteps."
Another example of adversity came recently as Michelle was trying to get the grade to get into Dartmouth. A 3.85 student, Michelle floundered on her ACT by recording a 22 the first time around, 4 points below the required score.
"She was so upset," said Lori in regards to Michelle's reaction to the score. "But, she was so determined to get into Dartmouth that she took it upon herself to study hard for the second test and scored a 28. I was so proud of her for the way she handled it."
Academics has always been high on the priority list as evident by both Jason and Michelle gaining admittance into Dartmouth, an institution with high academic standards.
"We are mostly proud of the way the kids have excelled academically," continued Lori. "It's something they have always been willing to take it upon themselves to do."
The mental toughness and determination to succeed Michelle has can be attributed to living in a competitive family.
"I guess you could say Michelle was born competitive," Jay said. "We love to compete and our kids have grown up around that."
Michelle agreed.
"Being in this family, I see my parents working so hard," said Michelle. "My mom with Jordy and my dad with work. They have taught me that you have to work hard in order to achieve your goals."
Michelle's goals are something she keeps to herself, but are ones she is determined to achieve.
"If you go up to her room you will find a list of goals she has for this season," said Jay. "She has them posted where she can see them every day when she gets out of bed and before she goes to bed. That list is a constant reminder of what she wants to achieve."
As far as basketball goes, it has become a way of life for the Meyers and has helped strengthen the family unit.
"Our kids chose to do something (basketball) and we have supported them," said Lori. "All of the tournaments over the years have turned into family trips. We stayed together in the hotels, swam in the pools, ate at the restaurants...all as a family."
The family unit is something Jay and Lori have held high on their priority list, even it it means sacrificing other aspects of their lives.
For instance, Jay has cancelled business trips in order to be there for his kids throughout their basketball careers.
"The best piece of advise I ever received was from a golf pro named Rob Fridley," said Jay. "He said you may have more than one chance at a lot of things in life, but you only have one shot in life in raising your kids. You have to take time for your kids. I'm not saying you have to be there all of the time, but always available. If not in person, be there by phone or instant messaging. I always send a message to the kids before each game, even if I'll be at the game."
With the values her parents have instilled in Michelle and her experiences and lessons growing up, it's obvious to see why she has excelled on the basketball court. But, placing her or her family on a pedestal is something Jay and Lori don't feel comfortable with.
They feel strongly that there are other kids who deserve more praise because of the adversity they have faced in life, much worse than their own.
"Michelle's not a hero or larger than life," said Jay. "None of us are. If you want to see someone larger than life, look at Dallas Burelison (a Covington graduate who is now in the Navy). He just served his country in Iraq and wants to be a Navy Seal. Or, look at Gene Studebaker (a junior at Covington). This kid has overcome so much adversity in his life and has become just an outstanding kid. Or, Andy and Ashley Johnson. They lost their father in the middle of their growing years and have stayed strong in their faith. Those are true larger than life people and heros to us."
With all of her accomplishments on the hardwood, the Meyers have kept everything in perspective.
"You know, Michelle loves to compete and so does Jason," concluded Jay. "But, at the end of the day, basketball is just a game."
It is just a game, but unfortunately most folks will continue to view Michelle as a basketball player, although she would like people to view her in a much different light.
"I want to be known as someone who cares for others," concluded Michelle. "And, as someone who believes in God."
And that's why there is more to Michelle Meyer than just basketball.
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