When high school athletes put on their uniforms and step out on the field or court for competition, they know they are playing for more than just themselves. They are also representing the school and community whose name is on their jersey. Layla Bloom says that wearing the Bartlesville blue is one thing that she loves about playing softball.

“It means a lot to me to be able to represent being a Bruin,” she said. “I love my school and the community. I’m proud to be a Bartlesville Bruin.”

A freshman at Bartlesville High School, Bloom plays a number of positions for the Bruins’ fastpitch and slowpitch softball teams. She plays catcher and third base on the fast pitch, while on the slowpitch team, she can play pitcher, catcher, third base, and outfielder.

Layla invests a lot of time and effort so that she can be the best softball player that she can be.

“Success in softball requires a lot of practice, time, and hard work,” she said. “I go to as many voluntary practices as I can and I take lessons on my own for batting and catching. I am motivated by helping my team succeed and improving my skill set. Both give me the drive to want to do and be better each time I step on the field.”

During her career, Bloom has had a number of people that she says have impacted her life and helped her become the athlete she is today.

“One of my biggest role models is Erika Niko,” she said. “She works hard in everything she does. I also look up to my uncle, Thayer Evans, and the success and life he has created from hard work and commitment. I love working with Macie Schaper. She pushes me to go hard and be better.”

Layla has seen the payoff of the hard work that she has put in and says it was an important time in her career.

“I think the biggest highlight of my time competing would have to be when I started on varsity as a freshman,” she said. “It was a really great experience for me.”