Successful teams put in a lot of work and invest a lot of time in order to be their best. And each athlete on that team is expected to work hard to be the best they can be and be a contributor to the team as a whole.

Kaytum Lively is a sophomore at Ponca City High School. Lively says that she enjoys playing basketball and the opportunities it has given her, and one thing she enjoys the most is being part of a team.

“Growing up I always loved basketball and I still do,” she said. “I have worked hard throughout the years to improve my skill level and gain confidence in my abilities. Basketball has taught me to persevere and to always work hard to achieve goals. My favorite part about being on the team is gaining close friendships, playing basketball at a high level, and having fun with the girls.”

Lively first started playing basketball as part of a rec league when she was in the first grade. She says that throughout her career, she has enjoyed playing alongside all of her teammates but there is one that stands out.

“Shoutout to my teammates for all their hard work and dedication to the sport,” she said. “Thank you for being a great support system and friend. My teammate, Emma Gertken, has left the biggest impression on me because she’s been a mentor to me throughout the last two years. She is a great person and athlete on and off the court.”

Ponca City girls’ basketball head coach, Jody Fincher, says that Lively is a great teammate and is always ready to help the team.

“Kaytum is a team-first player that is always the hardest worker anywhere she goes,” Fincher said. “She strives to do her best in all she does and had a great freshman season for us off the bench.”

Away from athletics, Lively has another role model that she looks up to.

“My aunt Michele Bodenstein inspires me because she has been fighting so hard to overcome cancer. She does it with such grace and positivity,” Lively said.