Since first putting on the softball uniform at age four as a member of the McCurtain Pups, Zoey McClellan has enjoyed the time she’s spent in the outfield, a position where she will continue to play this fall for the Lady Bulldogs.

“I play left field now and really enjoy it,” said the McCurtain 2022 senior. “I don’t like the infield and in left you get a lot of action so you have to always be on your toes.” 

And according to “Zo”, as she’s referred to by friends and coaches, the outfield requires more than just catching the ball.

“I put in extra hours of work after practice taking more fly balls. You have to anticipate where the ball will be hit and then read the ball the moment it comes off the bat,” said McClellan who credits the time working on defense during the slowpitch season as an advantage.

Off the field, McClellan, who proudly wears the #4 on the back of her jersey, has posted Hall of Fame results by earning a 4.0 GPA as well as 24 hours of college credit hours beginning her final year at McCurtain.  Adding up the numbers proved successful as she was a state finalist in the Business Professionals of America competition.

“Math is my favorite subject,” she admits. “My future plans are to pursue a degree in accounting while attending Northeastern State University.”

Admitting that she’s the loud voice coming from the dugout most of the time, McClellan still defines herself as shy but trustworthy and is thankful for the constant encouragement she receives at home.

“My mom and dad have always supported me in everything. They’ve also pushed me to do my best,” replied McClellan with confidence acknowledging that she can always hear her father’s advice. “Dad always says, ‘Zoey finish what you started’. It’s help me to see things through everyday.”

And with school bells ringing in the start of her senior year, Zoey McClellan is no doubt ready to finish what she started 12 years ago, on and off the field, with a smile and a feisty spirit of confidence and drive to do her best.