By Derrick Smith

Athletes at all levels work hard in order to be the best that they can be. While the work may be tough, they know that they will only be the best if they are willing to put in the work. Breanna Dayton is a student athlete at Altus high school and says she has put in a lot to become the athlete that she is today.

“I have put in a lot of hard work,” she stated. “I have also had to stay committed to my sport and be my best. My team and coaches have played a big role in my growth.”

Dayton, who is a senior, is a multi-sport athlete for the Bulldogs. She plays softball, runs hurdles, and also competes in the pole vault.

There have been many people that have had an influence on her life, but Dayton says that there are a few that have had a much bigger impact.

“My role models would be my mom, dad, great grandpa, my team and coaches,” she said. “My mom and dad have been there for me through it all, supported me through the good and bad, pushed me to fulfill my potential, and have been the ones to put in the extra time rather than taking me to games, or practicing when I didn’t have a game or tournament. My team and coaches are my family. They are the ones that push me to want to do better on and off the field. My great grandpa passed away in 2014 even though he’s not here he still motivates me every game or competition and will forever be in my heart.”

With this being her final year of high school, Dayton has already set her sights on her future.

“After high school, I plan on attending Western Oklahoma State College in Altus for two years,” she said. “Then I hope to finish out my college at the University of Oklahoma with a nursing degree.”