Altus senior Chloe Hill had a great final season of fast-pitch with the Lady Bulldogs this fall.
Hill was recognized for her outstanding performance on the field as an All-District and All-Region pitcher. For Hill, softball has always been a big part of her life and she has enjoyed building wonderful memories throughout her time in Altus.
In addition to the work Hill has put in at Altus High School, she also competes on her competitive travel team, Oklahoma Pure Fastpitch, the Altus Powerlifting team, Leos Club, and is a member of the National Honor Society. But at heart, Hill is a softball player.
“I started playing softball when I was four years old,” Hill said. “My favorite part about being a part of a team is the close friendships you build, even if they go to other schools.”
One teammate in Altus that Hill formed a close friendship with was Jenna Blackford.
“My favorite memory while playing for the Lady Bulldogs is being able to play two seasons with Jenna Blackford,” Hill said. “She’s a lowerclassmen who is like a sister to me.”
As a senior Hill held a leadership role in Altus and was always willing to give advice to her younger teammates and help guide them in their path as student-athletes. Knowing that young players often look up to upperclassmen served as motivation for Hill to hold herself to high standards.
“Jenna inspires me to be the best version of myself,” Hill said. “She is a constant reminder that someone is always looking up to you.”
When Hill needs inspiration of her own she often turns to her coaches for motivation. Hill said that her powerlifting coach, Craig Collins, gave her a piece of advice that has stuck with her ever since.
“Go the extra mile, be the first one in, last one to leave. Always see failure as a learning tool and let it fuel you in the right direction, negative self-talk will derail you quick – and have fun!” Hill said, “Sometimes sports turn into work and we need to enjoy the little things like we did when we were kids!”
Hill has followed her coach’s advice and found success along the way. Next year Hill will continue her softball and academic career at Eastern Oklahoma State College where she wants to work toward becoming a speech pathologist.
