Success is something that almost everyone strives to achieve. Whether it is in their job, life or something else, they want to be able to be their best. As a high school student-athlete, Hayden Kessler knows what it takes to be successful and to stay focused.
“It takes a lot of practice,” she said. “I also have had to learn a lot of new things about my sports. My parents are a big motivation for me, they always show up to my games giving me a lot of support.”
Kessler is a sophomore at Altus High School. She is a member of the school’s soccer and volleyball teams. She is also part of Upward Bound, which provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance.
Anytime she steps onto the field or court, Hayden knows that wearing the Bulldogs uniform is something special.
“One of the best things about competing for AHS Lady Bulldogs is the chance to represent my school and community through sports,” she stated. “This experience can be very humbling, rewarding, and promotes teamwork to achieve a greater goal.”
During her time playing sports, Hayden has made a lot of great memories with her teams on and off the court and field. But out of all of those, she has one that she says is her favorite.
“I think the highlight of my career would be when I was in the eighth grade,” she recalled. “My glasses broke and I scored while being blind.”
Kessler says that she is thankful for all the teammates that she plays alongside and have helped her become the player that she is.
“I think the teammates that I enjoy competing against the most in practice are Mady Lifer and Claire Beason,” she said. “We always have a fun time during practice and they always have a kind attitude. An underrated player on our team is Melissa Fioritto. Despite her being quiet she is a really strong and fierce player.”
As an athlete, there are a number of role models that Hayden can look up to. But she has one that has been influential.
“The athlete that has made the biggest impact on me is Alex Morgan,” she said. “She plays on the United States Women’s National Soccer Team. She is a very fierce player and also fights for what she believes in.”
