Motivation can be something that gets an athlete to push past their limits and achieve more than they ever thought possible. Sometimes negative comments or opinions from others can be a big motivator, as is the case for Jacey Crawford.

“There were times when previous coaches would count me out and I really used that to help motivate me to work hard and push myself to get one- percent better every day,” she stated. “Also, I want to be a positive person and really be someone of character that the younger girls can look up to and know that it’s okay to dream big, and to work hard to achieve their dreams whatever their dream may be.

Crawford is a senior at Stillwater High School, where she plays power forward on the basketball team. She is also involved with the Beta Club, National Honors Society, Key Club, Stillwater Makes A Change, Native American Student Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America.

Throughout her life, Jacey has had a few people that have made a great impact on her and have helped her become the person that she is today.

“My parents are definitely my biggest role models and influencers as they have taught me so much and really instilled in me to have a great work ethic and to work hard for what I want,” she said. “I’ve also had several great teachers along the way. My sixth-grade Language Arts teacher Mrs. Morejon helped develop my love for reading.

My Indian Education Coordinator Mrs. Atkins helped me explore science and technology through different workshops and camps, and my BioMed teachers really helped me push hard academically and helped prepare me for success in college.”

As an athlete, Crawford has made a lot of memories on and off the court, but she says that there are a couple of highlight moments.

“My top moment would have to be breaking two school records during my junior year,” Jacey stated. “Also, helping take the Lady Pioneers to the state tournament for the first in seventeen years was big too.”