“Stuck in the middle with you”…is the title of the rock hit by the one-hit wonder music group Stealers Wheel. For Anna Holmes the words define her responsibilities on the soccer pitch which the 2021 Wagoner High School senior mastered to earn All-State honors.

“A lot of things happen in the middle of the field,” replied the midfielder for the Lady Bulldogs soccer team. “You have to maintain possession to connect passes and get the ball moving up and down the field. You have to be in good shape to run back and forth from offense to defense.”

It’s the position that’s a perfect match for Holmes talents.

“The best part of my game is being able to see the field for the through balls and give and go passes.”

Her senior season was filled with challenges including being sidelined by a concussion for five games that required Holmes to prove her desires through her hard work.

“The comeback required 10 times the effort to get back where I was before the injury,” said Holmes. “It proves that hardships will happen but it’s what you do afterwards that matters most.”

For Holmes, her style of soccer performance matches her personal traits off the pitch.

“I’m intentional in everything I do,” replied the 5’1 Wagoner grad. “Hard working and generous, I’m intentional in my relationships with others, my studies, day to day duties and my relationship with God. I chase after him every day.”

The intentional efforts of Holmes led to her being named to the Class 4A girls All-State soccer team. The winning results extend off the field where in the classroom Holmes achieved a 4.3 GPA to earn Valedictorian honors while simultaneously completing 36 hours of college credits.

“I’ll go into my first year in college as a sophomore,” Holmes said in a voice of accomplishment. “I’m 

Trading her soccer cleats for the college classroom, the total “All-In” performance by Holmes reflects the spirit of the Bulldogs and a pathway of opportunities according to her coach.

“Anna has a never give up attitude,” said Brandon Carr. “Her willingness, effort and heart are exceptional and will be hard to replace in our lineup as well as at school. Anna is going to succeed whatever she chooses to do.”

For Anna Holmes, it will be a choice that’s certain to be intentional made with a game plan for making things better for others as well.