Athletes put in a lot of work to be able to be their best. And while the work is important, the support system that they surround themselves with can also be just as important in their growth, both as an athlete and as a person. Catoosa’s Kaydence Welch has a couple of people in her life that have had a very positive impact on her.

“My mom is the biggest role model for me,” she said. “She always gives me strength and motivates me. She is so loving and so caring and supports me with every decision I make. My mom taught me the toughest life lessons. She is the woman I aspire to be and one of the prettiest women I’ve ever seen. Also, Ms. Kelsey Barbee has always been there for me from sporting events and offering tutoring still six years later from being in her class. She is one of the teachers where you can easily build a connection with.  Still everytime I see her she is still excited to see me and lets me know how much she still cares about me. What motivates me to work hard is knowing that my amazing and supportive family and friends will be in the stands with smiles on their faces.”

Kaydence is a junior at Catoosa High School where she is a setter for the Lady Indians volleyball team. She is also a manager for the wrestling and baseball teams. 

There has been a lot of work and time that Welch has invested in becoming her best. But she says that it is a great feeling to see all of that pay off. 

“It has taken a lot of hard work, determination, staying after practice, and along with being coachable,” she said. “I’ve had some great memories while playing volleyball, but the top one for me would be when I was picked for the All-Camp Team at the Branson camp this summer with 79 teams attending.”