Being an athlete has many benefits. Some of those benefits are better physical health, accountability, mental and physical toughness, time management, and learning teamwork. Which specific sport allows you to travel around  the country, meet new people, and gain new friendships? According to Mikena Wilson, it’s softball! Getting to travel across the United States to places like California, Tennessee, Alabama, and Colorado to play tournaments in new places is one of her favorite reasons to play. She also loves meeting cool people who love the sport while being a part of the Duncan High School softball team.

Mikena started playing softball when she was only five years old. After watching others play the game, she decided that she wanted to try it out. At ten years old, she began to play travel softball. She is also involved with track and National Honor Society. Mikena has learned that to be a great athlete it takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to invest time into continuously improving your skills. She’s proven that she applies this to herself, earning the 2023 All-District Pitcher of the year for softball, placing 8^th in the discus, and 9^th in the shot-put at the 2024 5A state track meet.

Mikena’s favorite subject in school is Math, and her favorite teacher is Mrs. Hennan because she is always being kind and always going out of her way to make sure that everyone understands. All athletes know what a major impact family support can be. The person who has made the biggest impact on Mikena and has been her role model is her dad. She currently enjoys spending time with friends, baking, and reading in her free time. After high school, she wants to continue her softball career on to the collegiate level.

Mikena’s favorite sports moment is when Shay Knighten hit a 3-run home run in the 17^th inning to lead OU into a win over Florida in the 2017 Women’s College World Series. Her highest moment in her softball career was when her team qualified for the state tournament during her freshman year after being unable to achieve this goal for quite some time. Sports have taught her exactly how important that self discipline, hard work, and team work is. Her advice to her fellow athletes is “to realize that there are going to be highs and lows, and not to let the hard times keep you from pushing to get better.”