High school student athletes can have several people who have an impact on their lives. While family is an obvious group, there are others. Abbey Elam says that some of the ones that have had the biggest impact on her are people she sees every day.
“Coach Troy Bullard has been my biggest influence in high school sports,” she said. “He has pushed me to be my best. He saw my potential as an athlete and helped me to become better in all areas of softball. Mrs. Owen was my English teacher during my sophomore and junior years. She has high expectations of all students, she is firm and fair. She is a strong and independent person.”
Elam is a senior at Shattuck High School. She plays basketball, fast pitch softball, and slow pitch softball for the Indians. She also serves as Student Council President and was named Miss Shattuck 2025.
Throughout her athletic career, Abbey has made a lot of memories and shared a lot of great moments with her teammates. But as she reflects back, she says there is one that stands out.
“I think the highlight of my career would have to be hitting two home runs in the state championship game that we won during my sophomore year,” she said.
When she competes, wearing her school colors is something that she is proud to do, and she knows that it is about more than just herself.
“Shattuck has a strong sports tradition,” Elam stated. “I wear my Shattuck jersey with pride. I was welcomed into the Shattuck community in my eighth grade year; I will always be grateful for the support I have received.”
There are a number of things that can motivate an athlete or team to play even harder. Abbey says that being underestimated is what pushes her to work even harder.
“I have been fortunate to be a part of a very successful softball program my whole high school career,” she said.” With that, I have played on a lot of really good teams. Hearing people talk about how we ‘graduated all the good players’ lights a fire inside of me to show them that we are still just as good.”
