Briley Nicole Whitman inspires those around her. She is a softball player who will not be defined by having cerebral palsy. The best advice she says, is to “never give up because anything is possible. It doesn’t matter what hand you are dealt. God always has a plan.”
Briley is a senior at Chisholm High School. She plays both fast pitch and slow pitch softball. Softball is the first sport she learned to play despite having cerebral palsy. “Playing sports has taught me that if you put in the time and effort, you can do anything you put your mind to.
“My biggest accomplishment is learning how to play having cerebral palsy. I had to learn how to catch and throw the ball using only one hand,” she says.
Being part of a team is an important part of Briley’s life. Her favorite part of being on a team is building friendships with her teammates and traveling with them to games. She is also proud to be a student athlete proudly representing the values of sportsmanship Chisholm has taught her.
A fellow athlete she looks up to is former teammate, Macie Andrews. “Macie left a big impression on me. She is kind, dedicated, and a great leader. She took me under her wing freshman year and always encouraged me to do my best,” said Briley.
Professional athlete Jayda Coleman is an athlete Briley looks up to. Jayda played for the University of Oklahoma and now plays for the Oklahoma City Spark. Her faith and willingness to give glory to God on and off the field are qualities Briley looks up to.
Kindergarten teacher, Cicily Staerkel, made learning fun while teaching her to reach for the stars. Briley is most inspired by her mom, who she has always looked up to. She says her mom is her number one fan.
“I want to thank God first. I am thankful for the ability to play! I also want to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for always supporting me,” says Briley.
