Bartlesville’s Klayton Bastings

Having the support of your fellow students, parents and the community is everything to the hometown team. For Klayton Bastings, the goalie for the Bartlesville High School soccer team, that support has a deeper meaning than cheers from the stands.

“Support is everything to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the constant support I feel with my parents, coaches, teammates, and fans,” said Bastings.”

Now in his senior season, Bastings started playing soccer at the age of four. He loves the sport and his teammates.

“The thing I love most about my teammates is the support towards me and the dedication towards each other and the sport,” said Bastings.

Preparing for competition and always looking to improve, Bastings has made the most of his prep career and is poised for another great season.

“I mentally prepare myself for a competition by watching film of the team prior to our game and taking the last five minutes prior to games to watch for their stronger players and prepare myself for them,” Bastings said. “One of the strengths I have in soccer is my communication. It has taken time to adjust, especially to new teammates, but I’ve found a way to make sure I’m communicating everyone individually the best I can.
 
 Away from the pitch, Bastings is focused on his grades and is looking to continue is education at the collegiate level.

“The biggest challenge that comes with being a student-athlete is time management. I am most proud of my education and what I’ve accomplished academically, what I’ve accomplished during soccer, especially for my teammates, and the relationships I’ve grown throughout my life,” Bastings said. “My life goal is to grow a business, but in the meantime, I will attend college, continue to work, and possibly play soccer collegiately.” Bastings currently works with Conoco Phillips in their corporate office in their high school internship program.