Athletes invest a lot of time and work in order to grow better at their sport. While the work is an important part of it, Carmen Blake says that there is another aspect that she has found that is also just as important.

“There are many important things when it comes to being successful in sports, but I believe that your personal attitude and the way you carry yourself on and off the field,” she said, “It can make the biggest difference in having success or not. Having good relationships with teammates and being a positive influence pushes everyone to work harder for each other and creates success.”

Blake is a senior at Stillwater High School, where she plays center back for the soccer team. She is also involved in Stillwater Makes A Change, Key Club, National Honor Society, and they Business Professionals of America at my school. Outside of school, she is also involved in small groups for her church and for K-Life.

Carmen has had a number of people that have been influential in her life and helped her become the person she is today.

“My biggest influences are my parents,” she said. “They have taught me what it means to place my identity in Christ and live a life of faith everyday. My mom and dad continuously support me through everything and have given me the greatest example of who I want to become. I’ve had so many incredible teachers in my life but just recently I had Mrs. Nealis as my teacher for broadcasting. She taught me the importance of showing kindness to everyone, and to always give grace to people. I’m so thankful to have gotten to learn from her and experience her positivity everyday.”

Wearing the Stillwater uniform when she competes is something that Blake is proud to be able to do.
“Representing my school and community when I’m playing soccer means to be a reflection of the high standards that I know my coaches and teachers have set,” she said. “I want other schools and communities to look at our team for being good examples.”