By Derrick Smith

Work is a key that is required in order for an athlete to be successful and reach their goals. If they are not willing to do the work required of them, they might play sports, but they will not be able to reach their full potential. Taelen Laird is an athlete that is willing to do the work to succeed. 

“It has taken a lot for me to be where I am today,” he said. “I have put in a lot of time and effort into it, and I have sacrifice things that I enjoy doing so I could work on my game. It is constant work on and off the field, it is kind of a routine now.”

Taelen is a sophomore at Woodward High School, where he plays multiple sports. He plays small forward on the basketball court, while on the baseball field he plays in right field, center field, and pitcher. He lines up at wide receiver and safety for the Boomers football team. He is also a member of the school’s track and soccer teams. 

There have been different role models that Laird has had throughout his life, but he says that there is one that he looks up to the most.

“The biggest influence on my life is Jesus,” he said. “He led a perfect life and set an example for how we are supposed to live our lives on Earth. I play for him just as much as I play for the love of the game.”

He has enjoyed some great moments during his athletic career, but Laird says that a personal milestone is probably his favorite.

“I compete in the long jump on the track team,” he said. “Passing twenty feet in the long jump would definitely be one of the highlight moments of my career.’

Along with sports, Taelen is also a member of the National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.