By Rose Hutchins
Carmen Walker, a freshman at Pond Creek-Hunter, is ready to prove herself. A multisport athlete competing in softball, basketball and track, she has proven she can be relied on in any situation. With grit and determination, she’s ready to show what she’s made of.
Carmen’s faith is what drives her to be the athlete she is today.
“The Lord has blessed me with some unique gifts, and I strive to honor him by using them to their fullest potential,” she shares.
Carmen also recognizes her family as the foundation of her life, thankful for their unwavering support and love. She looks up to her grandma for having the purest heart, her mom for being the hardest worker she knows, and her dad for spending extra time after practice to help her sharpen her skills. All of which continue to shape the athlete and person she is becoming.
To Carmen, success in sports comes down two things, hard work and a willingness to grow – something Carmen is not unfamiliar with. She recalls Coach White’s advice that inner growth goes beyond the basketball court and into every aspect of life, a reminder that sports are about more than just the game. Inspired by that, Carmen shares her own advice for the younger generation.
“It’s simple; trust God in every area of your life, and commit to the extra work outside of practice. It’s essential to success,” she explains.
For Carmen, representing her school is about more than playing for personal success, it’s about playing for everyone who supports her along the way. That’s what makes you truly feel like you’ve made it to the top. After high school, Carmen hopes to continue her softball career at the collegiate level. She will do this while pursuing a degree in early childhood education, knowing it takes a special person to shape the minds and confidence of the next generation.
