Photo credit: Debbie Shotwell for Justin Reedy Photography

Alexus Elnes-Merriott, Softball – Stillwater High School 

M. Howell

Alexus Elnes-Merriott brings a positive attitude and optimism to the field you don’t often find. This senior at Stillwater High School plays softball as first baseman and is very busy academically as well. Some of her proudest achievements are when she was named 6A All-District and All-Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference (COAC) first baseman during her junior year. Alexus knows how to deal with adversity thanks to softball, though, teaching her that “…even though you might not perform at the level you would like to, or you might lose a game, there is always room for growth and to come back stronger.”

These admirable traits have served Alexus well in her education and she has even taken an interest in pursuing a career inspecial education. Her first favorite teacher is Mrs. Phibbs because of her passion and how much she gives back to the community, but she also wanted to include Coach Linsenmeyer. “I admire her passion for Special Education and am grateful for her encouragement to get involved in Peer Partners. Because of my role within United Peers and her guidance, I am now strongly considering becoming a Special Education teacher,” Alexus said and added that as her coach, she also pushed her to be the best version of herself.

Alexus named the person who inspired her the most as her mom because she helped her grow into who she is today and taught her to never give up. Bonnie Rutherford, her team manager, has also made a substantial impression on Alexus thanks to her encouraging attitude. Representing Stillwater High School as a Lady Pioneer is important to Alexus and she is especially proud of their hashtag this year, ‘#RBI,’ which stands for ‘Resiliency, Belief, and Integrity.’ “It is a great reminder for myself and my teammates to be exemplary students, teammates, and athletes,” she stated. She is also involved with the President of Unified Peers Club, a club that works with special education students doing fun activities throughout the year as well as the Special Olympics. Alexus doesn’t let insecurities, or anything hold her back as she works towards all her goals both on and off the field, a true inspiration!