Madelyn Stafford is just a freshman at Ponca City High School, but her goals already stretch far beyond the present season. A two-sport athlete in softball and basketball, Stafford competes with a quiet confidence fueled by purpose, faith, and a clear vision of where she wants to go.
From the moment she stepped onto a varsity court and field, Stafford has played with the understanding that every rep matters. Her biggest motivation is her dream of competing at the collegiate level, with one goal standing above the rest: playing softball at the University of Oklahoma. That long-term focus shapes how she trains, how she practices, and how she handles the sacrifices that come with being a serious athlete.
Stafford’s approach to sports is deeply connected to her faith. She draws inspiration from former OU shortstop Grace Lyons, not only for her success on the field, but for the way she lived out her beliefs. Seeing an athlete balance elite competition with a strong relationship with God showed Stafford that excellence and faith can go hand in hand.
At school, Stafford has found support in the classroom as well. Geometry teacher Jill Klein has made a lasting impact in a short amount of time, offering encouragement both academically and personally. Klein leads Bible studies on campus and makes a point to attend games, reinforcing the idea that success is about more than wins and losses.
The payoff for Stafford’s commitment has already shown itself in memorable moments. In basketball, knocking down her first varsity three-pointer was a milestone. In softball, clearing the fence for her first home run confirmed the work she has poured in. She thrives in competition, especially against rival Enid, and values teammates who push her daily, like Jenna Northcutt, whose defense raises the level of every practice. She also credits Nevaeh Carlisle as an overlooked competitor who brings relentless energy.
Beyond athletics, Stafford is active in Students Standing Strong, a faith-based club on campus. Balancing school, two sports, and her faith isn’t easy, but representing Ponca City with integrity and sportsmanship is something she takes seriously every single time she competes.
