Perkins High School senior Lakelyn Sanders has grown into a steady leader on and off the field, using her voice, work ethic and perspective to guide her teammates through each season.
A catcher, Sanders embraces one of the most demanding roles in softball. Beyond the physical responsibilities, she takes pride in directing the defense and keeping everyone on the same page. “I feel like the hardest part is being the leader and making sure that everyone knows the play,” Sanders said.
Her leadership style is rooted in accountability, a lesson she carries into both athletics and academics. “Own your mistakes instead of making excuses,” she said, a mindset that has helped her develop into a reliable presence behind the plate.
Sanders credits much of her growth to her father, who continues to shape her approach to the game. “He always coaches me up after games and asks me the good in bad situations in every game and ways to fix them,” she said. That guidance has helped her stay focused on improvement rather than outcomes.
At the plate, Sanders relies on a consistent routine to stay composed. “My process at the plate is to take a deep breath, I put my hand up and I get in my groove,” she said. The simple ritual allows her to reset and approach each at-bat with confidence.
Off the field, Sanders values connection just as much as competition. She enjoys the bond she has built with her teammates and takes pride in mentoring younger players. “I love welcoming in the freshman and teaching them how to be an amazing teammate,” she said. She also appreciates the personalities within the group, noting that Landry is “the most vocal,” while Emily “makes me laugh the most.”
Sanders said her teammates play a major role in keeping her energized. “One thing I love the most about my teammates and my team are how they always keep me hype,” she said.
In the classroom, Sanders enjoys English and cites Mrs. Chamlee as her favorite teacher. Outside of school, she spends time at the lake with her puppy, Winnie, and plays pool during colder months.
As she prepares for graduation, Sanders leaves behind a legacy built on leadership, accountability and a genuine commitment to her team.
