Q&A with Stillwater’s Alyssa Thomas – Presented by Ortho Oklahoma

VYPE: What grade are you in and what sports do you play?

Alyssa: I am a junior at Stillwater High School. I play volleyball and I throw the shot and disc on the track team.

VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you?

Alyssa: That would be Taylor Ratty. She is always positive even in stressful situations and helps me keep a positive attitude.

VYPE: Which professional athlete do you look up to?

Alyssa: I do not watch very much professional sports but after watching the Olympics this summer, I would say Simone Biles. She is not only an amazing athlete but also someone that has shown us that taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our bodies.

VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade?

Alyssa: Mrs. Webber, the high school FACS teacher. I haven’t had the privilege of being in her class yet but she is one the most honest, kind hearted people I have met.

VYPE: What is the best advice that anyone has given you? 

Alyssa: It’s not exactly advice as it is a lesson but my dad always tells me and my siblings that no matter what we do in a day, to make sure we are always kind to others. We never know what people are going through and to be a bright spot in their day.

VYPE: What accomplishment or memory are you most proud of?

Alyssa: When I was nine years old, I was baptized and my grandfather was able to be the person to baptize me.

VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation, where do you go and who do you take with you?

Alyssa: I would pick Costa Rica and take my bestie Kennedy Johnson.

VYPE: Are you involved in any other activities?

Alyssa: I am involved in Stillwater Make A Change and I attend Life Church. I love attending other Stillwater sporting events to support my friends.

VYPE: Here is your chance to give a shoutout or say thank you to anyone you wish.

Alyssa: I want to say thank you to my family for always believing in me and give a shout out to my former Charge Coaches from my 15’s team Derek Serowski and Melissa Britten for fostering and nurturing my love for volleyball and always pushing me to my potential.  And another shout out to Coach Brown, my high school coach, for holding me accountable and helping me become a great leader.