By Trina Walker
Team camaraderie and friendships make playing softball the fun sport Bailey Hartman loves most. The energy of her team pumps her up, yet there is something about softball that she finds relaxing.
A junior at Skiatook High School, Hartman knows her teammates will always have her back through both the good times and the bad. She has learned the value of self-discipline, hard work and perseverance by playing sports but most importantly, she learned self-confidence.
“Building self-confidence shows me that I am stronger and more capable than I thought I was,” Hartman said.
A travel ball teammate who influences Hartman on the field is Laci Shomo.
“Laci is a fierce competitor in this sport. She has a demanding presence on the field but she can also be energetic and funny. She knows how to pep up the team when they need it and is always encouraging to every teammate,” she says.
With her entire family playing different roles in her life, narrowing down one person as her inspiration is impossible.
“The people who inspired me the most are my family. My mom, dad and my older sister are some of the hardest working people I know and they are always there for me. They always push me to be better. My younger sister is more like my twin. She’s my ride or die, my best friend,” Hartman says.
She thanks her family and coaches for instilling confidence and providing motivation. The best advice comes from her high school coach who says to fake it, till you make it.
“When I think I can’t do something, they are always there hyping me up, pushing me and telling me I can do this,” she said.
Another sport she has recently taken up is powerlifting. Despite being new to the sport, she has already seen success. Hartman was a state qualifier her first year competing.
Hartman enjoys math. Her favorite subject is Algebra II and her favorite high school teacher is Mrs. Bizzell who teaches sophomore geometry.
After high school Hartman wants to go to college where she will pursue her goal to become a diagnostic medical sonographer.
