Coach Hannibal: Power of one, changing lives

SOCCER TEAM Team photo (front row, from left) Torrie Dozier, Brooke Balding, Kirstyn Delato, Cami Cardenas, Ashley Russell, Carmen Still. Back row, Courtland Phillips, Seth Russell, Jonathan Browning, Blake Martin, Bryce Nalley, Talon Johnson, Tyler Whitley, Casey Phillips, Zach Baugh, Andy Steck, Miss Krista Hannibal.

Editor's note: Krista Hannibal, who would have been 21 on Dec. 1, was the volunteer coach for the newly formed soccer team at Harmony Grove High School. She died in a car accident in Benton on Nov. 26. Darlene Emmons, a teacher at Harmony Grove, wrote this column.

---

You remember the lecture.

I know each of you have heard it a million times: "people are watching you - set a good example," the "you can make a difference" speech, or the old adage, "the power of one."

Well, your mama was right. I witnessed it in the life of Krista Hannibal.

Miss Hannibal, or Coach, passed away last week. She was involved in an odd accident and suddenly the family had to face what we all fear. Even though the loss is hard and will take years to lessen, there is some comfort in what actually happened in her short life, a mere 21 years.

Krista Hannibal and senior, Cami Cardenas

Let's consider this. The first two years of life she entertained her small world of influence. Family members relish the memories of her grins and giggles.

She charmed them with first steps, first words and I'm sure everyone melted when she gave them a hug. When she attended school, her circle of influence broadened but even at a young age, she was basically the learner. But the key point is what she learned. Along with her classmates, she participated in common events: singing, going to church, sports, school work, shopping and eating turkey at Thanksgiving. But, at a young age, when others were participants, she began to lead. Stacy Smith, assistant principal at Angie Grant Elementary School in Benton, was Krista's fifth-grade teacher. She remembers Krista as headstrong and fun-loving. "Krista was sassy. She had a great 'come-back' and loved to tease. In class she would joke with people but her comments were never critical. She wasn't in a particular clique, but was accepted by all kids."