Lakin Gaddy is in her senior year at Alva High School. She is an outstanding athlete competing in multiple sports for the Goldbugs. She has invested a lot to be at the top of her game whenever she competes and she says that the offseason work is just as important as the work during the season.
“The key to being successful is hard work,” Gaddy said. “I feel that many people only look forward to the season when it is starting, but a winning season starts about two weeks after the season ends. Running, lifting, putting up several hundred shots a day, eating right, and getting good sleep happen all year long if you want to have a good season.”
Lakin is a member of the Alva basketball, cross country, and golf teams. Outside of sports, she is also involved in the Student Council, National Honor Society, Key Club, and class government.
While putting in all that work can be tough at times, Gaddy knows that it will pay off because she has seen it happen.
“The two accomplishments I am most proud of are being the 3A State Champion in the 400 meters and playing in the 3A basketball state tournament,” she stated. “To be the best, you have to beat the best. On that day in early May standing on top of the medal stand, I was the best in Oklahoma in 3A. I believe God has blessed me with the ability to run fast, but I also work extremely hard to develop those blessings into the most they can be. Also, it has always been a dream of mine to make it to the Oklahoma basketball state tournament. Ladybug Basketball is a big deal to Alva, and making the tournament gets the town excited and gives them something to be proud of. Our team picture will hang in the gymnasium for many years to come like all the teams from the past, and hopefully, it will inspire others to be successful.”
As a student in the classroom, Lakin has had teachers that have made an impact on her life. But she has one that has had the most influence on her.“Dr. Halah Simon spends a lot of extra time getting to personally know every student that she can,” she said. “She is encouraging and will always be in your corner when you need her.”
