Kelsie Yales is a junior at Bartlesville High School, where she plays softball. She first became interested in the sport 10 years ago due to watching college softball with her mother. In addition to her love of softball, Yales’ mother has been influential in many areas of her life.

“I look up to my mom the most because she always puts being a good person before anything else and she can handle whatever challenges that she comes across,” said Yales.

Because of this, Yales has learned to value and exemplify good character on and off the field.

“Having a good character has always been my number one thing because it is the one thing that someone will remember you by and it can help you in every situation,” she said.

Yales says that her favorite opponent to go up against is Owasso. The tough competitors provided Yales with the opportunity for her best game yet.

“They are always great competition, and it forces me to play to my full potential to have a chance of beating them,” she said. “My favorite memory was the state game against Owasso because it was the best we had ever played against them and no one gave up during the game.”

As many athletes would agree, Yales says that the best part of playing sports in high school is the ability to make new friendships and bond on and off the field. Her fellow Bruins mean a lot to her.

“My teammates motivate me to be my best because I know that they all rely off on me and how I preform or how I act,” she said.

Yales still has some great memories to be made on the field in Bartlesville, but when graduation does come, she is planning to attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to play softball, while studying either psychology or economics.