Photo Credit: The Electric Image Co.
Throughout the career of a high school athlete, there are a lot of people who can make an impact on them, both on and off the field. Mash-ta Littlecook says that the teammates she is surrounded by have really played a big role in her becoming who she is.
“My biggest influence is my team,” she said. “They make me want to play better for them, and also taught me the importance of supporting each other in our highs and lows. Another influence or role model I have is Sydney Romero. She plays the game so well, her attitude towards everything is the best on and off the field! I have been following her ever since her OU college days.”
Littlecook is in her senior year at Ponca City High School, where she plays second base on the softball team. Outside of sports, she is also a member of the National Honor Society and the Native American Heritage Club.
In the classroom, Mash-ta has learned from a lot of teachers, a lot of whom have influenced her life. But out of them all, she has one that made the biggest impact on her life.
“That would be my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Lee,” she said. “She was so kind to me, and still is, she would always support me by coming to my games or pushing me to do great in life and on the court or field. At the time I was in her class, her husband had brain cancer, and my aunt also had brain cancer, so we would connect in that way, also. I hope she knows how much she means to me and how much she has helped me in that little time.”
As an athlete, Littlecook enjoys getting on the field and competing. But she knows that it takes a lot to be ready to compete at a high level.
“I think to be successful in softball, you have to be confident, consistent, and patient,” she stated. “You need to have confidence up to bat and in the field. Consistency of always making the routine play, and getting a hit even if you do get out, if you’re consistent, then next time you might get on. You have to be patient and not speed up the game or speed up the play; you are in control.”
