By Derrick Smith

Throughout each person’s life, there is someone or a few people that have an influence on them. Whether the influence is large or small, they still play a role in who we become. Kenlee Parrick says that she has had a few people that have influenced her life.

“My parents are most certainly my biggest role models,” Parrick said. “They challenge me every day and show me how to be a good person. Coach Rob is also a role model to me. She is very much like me and never lets us settle. I’m constantly being pushed by her and she has taught me many life skills through athletics.”

Kenlee is a junior at Stroud High School. She plays outfield, pitcher, and second base for the Lady Tigers fastpitch softball team and she is also a member of the school’s track team.  She has been playing softball for about ten years. Parrick says that becoming the best player that you can be requires a lot of work, but there is something else that is very important.

“I have put a lot of work in to get where I am,” she said. “But more than work, you have to have a good attitude and be motivated. It doesn’t matter how good of an athlete you are, you will never be successful if you can’t support your own mentality let alone the teams.”

Parrick says that while she has learned from a lot of different teachers, there is one that she considers her favorite. 

“Mrs. Heather Chase is my science teacher almost every year,” she said. “She has taught me so many things, I don’t even know where to start. My favorite thing about her is probably how she understands what student-athletes go through and she does everything she can to help us learn even if that means our work is a day late.”

Away from athletics, Kenlee serves as student council vice president, junior chamber of commerce vice president, FCCLA member, National Honor Society member, and FCA officer. She says that when she is not busy, she enjoys working out whenever possible.