By Ariel Casida
Alliyah Shrum is going to be a senior at Perry High School. She participates in softball, basketball, track, Student Council, National Honor Society, and Leadership. Alliyah got her start with softball when she was five years old and has been playing for 13 years now. Her favorite part about softball is the competition. “I love being in a close game and having the adrenaline rush of what the next play is going to be,” she says. Her favorite moment in softball so far has been winning the State Championship in 2023 with her team and making history in her town.
Alliyah’s biggest positive impact and role model has been her dad. She says “he models sportsmanship, not only as a coach but every day in his own life. He’s always held me accountable and to a higher standard by providing me the resources and motivation to reach my goals.”
In her free time, Alliyah likes to hang out with her best friends, spend time with family, read, and listen to music. Her favorite subject in school is English, because it’s learning and reading different perspectives, and understanding the tone that the author intended. Her favorite teacher is Mrs. Kennedy, because she was always willing to help and made her classroom a place that you wanted to be. After high school, Alliyah plans to continue playing softball at Oklahoma Christian University while getting her degree to be a physical therapist.
Sports have taught Alliyah how to be the best version of herself, a best friend, a teammate, and a leader. She says to be a great athlete, you have to have good work ethic, passion, and heart. When things get tough, Alliyah turns to God and her family for support. Her advice to other athletes is to stay consistent in what you love, and to put work in anytime you can.
