High school students have a number of people that they can look up to. Whether it be
celebrities, famous athletes, or someone that is part of their everyday life, these individuals
can be impactful to their life. Mckenzi Owen is a senior at Catoosa High School and she says
that her parents have played a big role in her life.

“My dad is a huge influence in my life because he is a very hard worker, has his own
successful business,” Owen said. “My mom is also a big influence because she was in the
marine core and never lets me fall behind.”

Owen is a member of the cheer and soccer teams at Catoosa. Away from athletics, she is
also involved in the National Honor Society, Student Council, and the senior band.
Whenever she wears her Catoosa uniform, Owen knows she is also representing her school
and community.

“I think it’s important because being involved just makes the high school experience ten
times better and you make great friendships and memories that come with all of it.”
Getting to where she is in her career has not been something that just happened for
Mckenzi. Instead it has taken a lot of work, but she has enjoyed every minute of it.
“I would say a big part of being successful in sports is showing up everyday and always
taking your coach’s advice or opinion into consideration,” Owen said. “I think the best
moment of my career has probably been going to regionals in cheer last year or placing in
the soccer tournament last year.”

Along with the hard work, Owen says that her competitive nature helps her be the athlete
she is.
“I am a very competitive person,” she stated. “I see how others are thriving and I strive to
be like them. There are a couple of opponents that I enjoy beating the most. That would be
Verdigris and Hilldale. It is always fun when we beat either one of them.”

Whenever she is not practicing or competing, you can sometimes find Owen checking her
social media.
“My favorite person I follow on social media would probably be Tana Mongeau because she
is funny and someone I feel like I would be besties with if we knew each other.”