Owasso’s Baylee Brooks
Baylee Brooks picked up the glove at only six years old—and she hasn’t looked back since. Behind the plate as a catcher or chasing down a ball in the outfield, this Owasso High School junior brings compassion and strong team values to everything she does.
During her formative years of competitive softball, Coach Amy Jahn helped her build a solid foundation in softball and in life. “[She] has impacted my life greatly and helped make me the player and person I am today,” she shares. The culture at Owasso High School has offered a safe space for student-athletes to grow. “We are very privileged to have the things we do, and the people that surround us,” says Brooks. According to Brooks, it is the Owasso Ram community that has made her into the hardworking athlete that she is, constantly striving to improve her hitting and add power to her swing.
The focus Brooks’ implements towards mechanics and personal development illustrates her tremendous commitment to the game. During her freshman year, she was separated from her competitive teammates—split between JV and Varsity. “This affected my confidence as a player,” she reflects. “I used that time to become better, and the next year I made varsity!”
Before big games, Brooks takes time to help get her teammates mentally focused. “I like to talk to my teammates and get in the right headspace,” she shares. Her knack for encouraging others sets the tone for the team’s momentum on the field. Whether it’s building a player’s confidence or reminding them of their own love for the game, Brooks understands that the right mindset is just as important as mechanics.
One of her fondest memories comes from the 15U Nationals in Plano, Texas. “I discovered my love for the outfield,” she shares. “We played some of the best games of our lives.” For her, the tournament was a moment of decisive change. That moment served as a reminder of the progress she has made and her passion for softball. That same appreciation reinforces her humble mindset. “Cherish all of those games and practices,” Brooks says. “A lot of people don’t get the same opportunities.”
She remains purpose driven when looking towards the future and plans to pursue a degree in social work. This field demands the same humility and self-awareness she displays today as she chases both her purpose and the next catch with the same heart she’s brought to the game since day one.
