By Chris Cox
Prague senior Tessa Cooper loves everything about softball. She loves the game, she loves the comradery with teammates, and she loves the opportunities that softball can bring.
“It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice,” Cooper says. “But I stay motivated because I love the game and I know it gives me the chance to get my college paid for.”
Cooper knows getting to where she is wasn’t done by herself. It takes a team, both on and off the diamond, to help her achieve her goals.
“My parents are the biggest influences and role models,” she says. “They have given me a good example of what work ethic should look like. Another person that has had a big impact on my life is Mrs. Smith, my P-K teacher. She has supported me since I was four years old.”

Cooper, a pitcher and left fielder for the Red Devils, has had plenty of highlights in her career but one that stands out took place when she was just a freshman.
“I got to pitch at state as a freshman,” she says. “It was a great experience because I had the best group of seniors behind me. They supported then and still do today.”
Cooper and her teammates know to reach their ultimate goals this year, they will have to take down Ripley.
“They are good every year,” Cooper says. “When we play them, we know we will be tested. But we’ve grown into a team that can overcome challenges and compete with the best.”
Outside of softball, Cooper stays busy with the numerous clubs and organizations she’s involved with. Cooper is in BPA, student council, National Honor Society, Oklahoma Honor Society, BancFirst Student Board of Directors, and Vision Bank Student Board of Directors. She is also a concurrent student at Seminole State College.