By Derrick Smith

Throughout the life of a high school student athlete, there are people that make an influence on them. While their role models could be a variety of people, the impact that they make on the athletes life and career can be immeasurable. Clara Caldwell says that her family has had the biggest impact on her. “My biggest role models are my family,” she said. “My twin brother, Holden, is one because of his kindness and generosity. My little sister, Caroline, is such a wonderful supporter of everyone and so loving. My dad, Chad, is a competitor, but is very encouraging and a good leader. My mom, Hallie, is one of the sweetest people you will meet and is a very fun and a Godly person. I strive to have all of these attributes that my family show, on and off the court.”

Caldwell is a junior at Oklahoma Bible Academy, where she is a multi-sport athlete for the Trojans. She is an outside hitter on the volleyball team, on the basketball team she can play wherever needed but prefers to play guard or small forward, she plays number two singles for the tennis team, and she runs the 4×400 and 4×100 relays as a member of the track teams. 

Working hard to get better is something that Clara knows works. But more than being an outstanding athlete, she wants to be a leader among her peers. “As an athlete, I have tried to be a leader,” she said. “Everyone can be a leader in his or her own way. I am not necessarily a leader with my words, but instead I try to lead by example. I’ve learned that to be successful you have to put in extra work. Practice is where you get better as a team, but if you really want to get better, you have to be willing to put in extra hours in the gym as an individual as well. Oftentimes it is what you do when no one else is around that makes the difference. Lastly, I try to have fun with whatever sport I am in. You can work hard and still have fun.”