By Derrick Smith

Developing into a successful athlete is not something that just happens overnight. There is a lot of sacrifices that have to be made. Catoosa’s Jaycee Beach says that while she has put in the work, she has also had some great people around to help her along the way.
“It has taken many years of not giving up, dedication, and hard work to be successful,” she said. “Many hours of practice, early mornings, and late nights. I have had amazing teammates and coaches that have encouraged me to be the best athlete I can be.”

Beach is a senior at Catoosa High School, where she is a member of the basketball and soccer teams. On the hardwood, she plays forward and she plays attacking midfielder for the soccer team. 

Throughout her career, Jaycee has had a few different people that have made a difference in her life and she says she would not be where she is today without them.

“One of my top role models is my mom,” she said. “I look up to her because of how hard she works and how much she cares for people. Another one of my role models is Catoosa’s Athletic Director, Courtne St.Clair because she is so positive and encouraging and works so hard to make Catoosa better for not only the students but also the community. One of my favorite teachers is Mrs. Cottle. She has taught me that I can be successful and has spent hours helping me with college papers. She is so positive and truly cares for her students.”

While she has enjoyed some great moments on the field with her teammates, Jaycee says that the relationships she has made are what stand out as the best part of playing sports. 

“The highlight of my career has been getting to play with my teammates who are like family and building relationships from sports that I would have never gotten if I never played sports.”

Away from sports, Beach is the student body president, student representative on the Board of Education, president of National Honor Society, member of FCCLA, and senior representative of Student Council.