Enid’s Jaidyn Moulder
Enid High School senior Jaidyn Moulder is a stand out on the basketball court. Now a 6’1 point guard, he has been playing the sport since fourth grade after being intrigued by watching his dad play.
“I used to watch my dad play in men’s league games when I was younger and I would get to go on the court during timeouts,” said Moulder.
To Moulder, having character on and off the court means demonstrating “integrity, respect, and strong values” in both the game and every day life. A few key people in his life who have instilled these qualities in him are his parents and his coach, Derrick Irving.
“I look at my parents and my high school school coach as my role models, because they’re the ones who were always there for me when I needed them the most,” said Moulder.
Moulder appreciates that his coach pushes him to sharpen his skills.
“He challenges me in a way that forces me to adapt and understand the game of basketball on a different level,” he said.
He also highly values his teammates and their role in his life.
“My teammates mean the world to me to me,” he said. “They are my second family, my brothers.”
His favorite memory so far playing for the Plainsmen wasn’t a game-winning shot or personal achievement, but a moment that echoes his friendship with his teammates.
“My favorite memory playing for Enid High School was our Pond Creek basketball summer camp. It was my first time meeting my new teammates, all of whom have become like family,” he said.
Although he appreciates all the positive influences in his life, Moulder does have a competitive side that, in some ways, appreciates criticism as well.
“The thing that motivates me to be my best are the critics,” he said. “I want to prove to them that I can be more than what they think.”
Before hitting the court you’ll find Moulder stretching while listening to music to get in the right head space, and after a game you might catch him eating at McDonald’s. In the classroom, his favorite subject is math. After high school, he plans to earn a college degree and continue playing basketball as long as he possibly can.
