By Derrick Smith

Parents can play a big role in the lives of their children. Not only do they provide for them and take care of them, they are also the biggest cheerleader and supporter. Jocelyn Asebedo says that she would not enjoy the life she has today without her parents.

“My mother and father are my biggest influences,” she said. “My mother is from Mexico and she came to America to give my siblings and I a better life. She’s taught me so much about dedication and mental strength. My father has always been my number one supporter and he always encourages me to try everything out at least once.”

Asebedo is a sophomore at Alva High School, where she is a multi sport athlete. She plays goalie on the soccer team, while on the softball field, she can play anywhere in the outfield. Along with her sports, Jocelyn is a member of the Key Club, Speech and Debate, One Act, Cheer, and a competitive show choir called Electric Gold.

Asebedo has enjoyed the success that she has experienced during her career, but she knows that it did not just happen. The success is because of what she invested into it. 

“There was a lot that went into me being who I am today,” she said. “One big thing was extra hours out of practice. When you start to take the initiative and put in your personal time, you truly start to see a difference in how you play.”

Throughout her years of playing sports, Jocelyn has made a lot of great memories on the soccer pitch and the softball field. But she says that the best moment was a personal achievement she reached.

“The highlight of my career happened this year,” she said. “I was chosen to be a member of the 2021 OCS All-Tournament team as a goalie. It was a really awesome experience to win that award.”