Throughout an athlete’s career, they have a lot of moments and experiences that are important to them and help shape them as an athlete. Tinsley Mitchell is a freshman athlete at Catoosa High School and she says that her favorite sports moment took place this past volleyball season.

“The highlight moment of my career has to be when our volleyball team played Inola this year,” she recalled. “We are rivals and have lost to them previously, but it was a home game and we came to play.

We hustled and had good energy throughout the whole game and ended up winning. It was extremely exciting and definitely the highlight of my career.”

Tinsley plays soccer, basketball, and volleyball for the Lady Indians. She has worked hard so that she can be victorious in her sports and that is what keeps her focused and working hard.

“It has taken lots of practice, hard work, and many years of playing for me to be successful in my sports,” she said. “My biggest motivation has been the thought of being able to play college sports. That is what keeps me putting in the extra effort.”

There have been a number of people that have played important roles in Mitchell’s life, but she has a couple of them that have been very influential.

“My Aunt Jentri is one of my biggest role models,” she said. “I’ve always looked up to her because she is kind, and understanding, and she played sports as well. I always wanted to be like her. Also, my fifth-grade teacher Miss Barbee had the biggest impact on me. She cared for her students and took the time to teach us and help us understand. She was kind and very thoughtful.”

Mitchell is also thankful for the teammates she competes alongside at games and also works with during practice.

“I enjoy working against Irelynd Shew in practice the most,” she said. “She is skilled and experienced so it pushes me to be my best. I think Rachel Gonzales is the least appreciated player on our team. She hustles and helps control the game and I don’t think people give her the credit she deserves.”