“Never let the game define you, let your life do that.”
The well-known phrase defines the heartbeat of a champion. And, for those who know Allyssa Parker, most confirm it describes the every day actions of the sophomore pitcher for the Pocola Indians.
“Leadership to me is being a great person to everyone no matter the situation,” explained the 15-year-old sophomore. “I play a role of leadership on the field by picking my teammates up when they’re down. Off the field I help my teammates as well as other people with whatever they need whenever they need it.”
In the softball pitching circle, Parker’s performance is masterful with command of four pitches including a fastball that reaches 65mph or faster.
“Mostly, I throw a fastball, curveball, changeup, and rise-ball. My favorite is my changeup because it really keeps the batters off balance.”
“A-P” also adds offensive firepower for Pocola when she steps to the plate by using her pitching mindset to her advantage while swinging the bat.
“It definitely helps me recognize spin and figure out the strike-zone,” Parker said in a relaxed voice. “I try to stay out of my head, keep my composure, and if the ball comes in the strike zone swing as hard as I can.”
According to her coach, there’s no challenge too big for Parker.
“What Allyssa did on Thursday in our county tournament by throwing over 200 pitches in four games in a row epitomizes how competitive she is and how in shape she is,” exclaimed Pocola coach Eddie Combs. “She willed us to our sixth consecutive LeFlore County tournament championship. You could just see her efforts infecting all her teammates.”
Described as being competitive and funny, Parker’s everyday approach remains humble.
“Staying humble means the most to me because God chose me to have talent and it’s not my part to flaunt it to everyone.”
In the classroom, Parker’s performance is straight A by posting a 4.0 GPA while taking advanced Bio-Med courses at Carl Albert State College, a program that only a few students can qualify to participate.
The future shines bright for Parker who has multiple Division-I softball camp invites while waiting on scholarship offers that must wait until the 2023 campaign.
“I’ve been invited to many D-I camps already. For now, my top five schools include OSU, Arkansas, OU, Florida and Texas A&M.
Pocola won two state titles last season including the Class 2A state basketball title before claiming the class 3A slowpitch softball crown with Parker, who wears jersey number-22 in all sports playing a major role. The narrow miss of winning last fall’s fastpitch state championship continues to fuel Parker’s will to win and that of her teammates to take care of unfinished business.
“We all think this is going to be our year,” nodded Parker noting that all but two starters are back. “We’re taking better preparation this season so we win it this time.”
