Zoey

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

I don’t just play to win (even though that’s fun!). I play because I love it, and I love being part of a team. I try to be the kind of teammate who cheers the loudest, helps others when they’re down, and brings smiles even on tough days. Whether we win or lose, I always want everyone to feel proud and have fun. This year, I’ve earned some big wins and cool awards, but the best part has been all the memories I’ve made with my teammates. I’ve made new friends, learned new skills, and grown a lot.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Someone who inspires me is Simone Biles. I like how she always encourages people and herself, even when things get hard. She doesn’t give up, and that helps me remember to stay strong too. I also get inspired by my teammates, coaches and family —they cheer me on, help me get better, and make sports fun.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

I’m most proud of hitting a bunch of home runs and making the Top Gun All-Stars team. Hitting home runs always makes me feel like I’m really helping my team, and getting into Top Gun was a huge deal for me. It’s a big commitment and shows that all my hard work is paying off. I’ve never traveled that far out of state for softball before, and it felt really special to be part of something that big. It made me feel proud because it showed me that I’m reaching my goals and getting better every day.