Originally Posted January 15, 2021
By Derrick Smith
Throughout everyone’s life, there are people that are part of our life that have an influence on who we become. The same is true for high school student-athletes, as they look up to people they watch on television and in real life. Alli Wood has a few people that have made an impact on her life.
“My family is my biggest influence,” she said. “They all make me want to do my best and support me in everything I do. Also, I love Michael Jordan because of his little bit of nasty in his play but also just letting his skills show off. Pete Maravich is also a big one because my dad gave me a skills DVD of his when I was in middle school and I watched it all the time.”
Wood is a senior at Bartlesville High School. She is a multi-sport athlete for the Lady Bruins, playing basketball, volleyball, and golf. She began playing sports thirteen years ago and it has been a part of her life ever since.
While she has had some influences on the athletics side, Alli says that one of her instructors has played a big role in who she is outside of sports.
“Karen Hayes was my pre-nursing teacher,” she said. “She taught me everything I needed to know about the career I am thinking about pursuing.”
Success is something that Alli has strived for her entire career and knows exactly what it takes to achieve it. “In order to get to where you want to be as an athlete, you have to always be ready to go full out,” she said. “You need to have the determination and competitive spirit and be willing to do whatever is needed to help your team.”
When she is not playing sports, Wood is also involved with a variety of clubs. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, student council, K-Life, and OC Volleyball Club. She hopes to play one of her sports at the next level while also furthering her education. She has had some great moments during her career, but Wood says that one game last season stands out as her favorite. “We played in the 2019 Carl Albert Tournament,” she said. “We were up against Storm and our team clicked and played so well together. Also, I had my highest scoring game.”
