By Derrick Smith

Athletes at all levels of competition work hard in order to be the best that they can be when the time for competition rolls around. Some sports require more physical preparation, while others can require more mental preparation. Clara Caldwell says that in team sports, there is another piece that is crucial.

“In order to be successful, you, of course, have to work hard,” she said. “But one of the most important things to be successful is to work together. Through sports, I have learned this lesson that without your team working together nothing works.”

Caldwell is a junior at Oklahoma Bible Academy where she is involved in multiple sports. She plays outside hitter on the volleyball team, while on the basketball court she switches between shooting guard and small forward. She also plays singles on the tennis team.

Throughout her life and her career, Clara has had a number of people that have had an impact on her and helped her become the person that she is today. She says that there is a smaller group that has had the biggest impact. 

“My biggest role models are my family,” she stated. “The love they spread, the joy they bring, and the kindness they show are something I will always aspire to do more of. Another person that has influenced my life has been my favorite teacher, Jay Mendenhall. He teaches Bible classes. He has taught me so many life lessons and how to live in a sinful world. He has taught me that my identity isn’t found in sports, school, or my abilities, but that my identity is a daughter of God.”

Along with sports, Caldwell is involved with other groups around campus.

“I participate on the S.P.U.D team at OBA,” she said. “Also, I am a part of the National Honor Society, and I ran a diaper and baby wipe drive to help prevent abortions and give hope to expecting mothers. I did this drive at OBA, Oakwood, Sojourn, and Emmanuel.”