By Derrick Smith

A team’s success hinges on their chemistry and ability to play well together. Charley Thrasher plays softball for Texhoma High School and says that her team has played together for a few years and that has been helpful to their accomplishment. “Many of my teammates and I have played softball together for many years,” she said. “This has allowed us to have success on the softball field and have lots of fun together along the way. My teammates push me to be better, but one, in particular, is Olivia Merry, our starting pitcher. We are fortunate to have a pitcher of her caliber on our team. It makes me strive to be the best pitcher I can be. Softball is a team sport and I am lucky to be on a great team. I love my team, coaches, and school.”

Thrasher, who is a junior, plays third base and pitcher for the Red Devils. She began playing when she was eight years old and she has put in a lot of work to become the player that she is today, but she has also had some help from her team. “It has taken lots of time, work, and extra effort on the field and in the weight room,” she said. “My teammates have also played a key role in making me a better player.”

Someone that she looks up to as a role model is Oklahoma State softball player, Sydney Pennington.  “She is a great leader on and the field and plays with a lot of energy. I attended a camp last year at OSU and the thing that impressed me the most about her was how willing she was to take time out of her day to work with us. She truly wanted to see all of us succeed.”

Along with playing her sports, Thrasher is also involved in groups around campus. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society, and the Pep Club.