Athletes put in a lot of hard work in order to reach their full potential. While the work is not easy, they know that it is important in their growth and progress. But along the way, there will be negative things that happen, and dealing with those things is just as important as the work. Tray Freeman says that, while he has dealt with tough times, they have helped shape him into who he is now.

“It has taken a lot of time and effort behind closed doors,” he said. “A lot of frustration behind those closed doors, but it has all paid off in making me the player I have become.”

As a junior at Catoosa High School, Freeman plays catcher for the Indians baseball team. Baseball has been a part of his life for the past thirteen years and he says that something he and his teammates were able to do last season would have to be the highlight of his career so far.

“The highlight moment of my career has got to be helping our seniors last year win districts,” he said. “We had lots of ups and downs as a team lots of frustrating moments but we got hot when we needed to and helped those seniors and everyone on that team have a season they will never forget.”

Freeman has had people that have helped him become the person and the athlete that he is today and he says that he is thankful for all of them but there are a few that have had the biggest impact.

“One of my role models, if not the biggest, has to be my dad,” he said. “He has been there for me and pushed me on and off of the baseball field for my entire life. He’s taught me how to be a great player but also a great person outside of baseball. My other two biggest influences have to be my coach Skyler Ellis and another good coach I met in the off-season, Matt Whatley. Finally, my favorite teacher has also played a big role in my life. Mr. Cheves has been my teacher since my freshman year and has taught me that no matter what, I can always be a better person than I think I am, even with the littlest gesture.”