Throughout any athlete’s career, there are things that happen that are big accomplishments and that stand out in their memory. It could be a personal milestone or a team performance, but either way, it is something that they will not forget. Maci Hayes is a sophomore at Altus High School and says that there is one thing that would be her favorite. 

“Our fastpitch softball team was playing in a tournament,” she recalled. “I hit five home runs over the fence in that one tournament. It was a great feeling for me because I knew I was helping my team.” 

Hayes plays softball and basketball for Altus. She says that while she has put in a lot to get where she is, she has not done it alone. 

“It takes a lot of time and effort to continually get better at sports,” she said. “You have to be willing to put in the work and not give up. My family has always been there and supported me. I would not be where I am today without them. Also, Hali Denton is someone that I look up to. She is an outstanding centerfielder and a great teammate.” 

Altus fastpitch softball coach, Jessica Robinson, says that Maci is a solid player on the field and an equally great person off the field. 

“Maci is a great utility player who can play anywhere,” coach Robinson said. “Along with that, she is also a quality pitcher on our staff. She led us in hitting last season as a freshman. We are looking forward to her becoming a leader on our team.” 

Maci says that she enjoys working alongside her teammates when they are at practice. But for her, there is one person that she enjoys working with the most. 

“My sister, Riley, is probably the person I like to practice against,” she stated. “That way, I can brag in her face when I do better. But I also know that both of us are getting better because we always give it our all.”