At just 11th grade, Allyssa Parker from Pocola High School has already made waves in the sports world, excelling in both softball and basketball. But what sets her apart is her recent verbal commitment to the University of Oklahoma, one of the premier Division I softball programs in the country. This achievement is particularly remarkable considering her roots in rural Oklahoma.
Allyssa’s journey to this point has been fueled by a relentless drive to meet and exceed the high standards set for her. “I’ve always been held at a high standard throughout my career, and I always want to see how far I can push myself.”
Behind Allyssa’s success is her biggest role model, her mom. “She sacrifices everything for me and my sisters. She never gives up on us, and it’s so inspirational being raised by someone that great and selfless.”
While Allyssa acknowledges the impact of various teachers and coaches in her life, it’s Mark McKenzie who stands out as the most influential figure. “He has always pushed me to be my best and has always believed in me,” she said. “I love him like family; everyone needs a coach like him.”
Achieving success in sports requires unwavering commitment and hard work, qualities that Allyssa embodies. “Just staying committed to the sports and working hard at them,” she explained. “I’ve always been super competitive, so I always work hard to be at my best in sports.”
One of the highlights of Allyssa’s career was winning state for the first time as a freshman—a testament to her talent and determination. However, it’s her ongoing rivalry with Howe that fuels her competitive fire. “Every year, the competitiveness gets better and better.”
Despite her individual accomplishments, Allyssa remains humble, emphasizing the collective effort of her team. “We are all held and pushed to the same standard,” she said. “We all work hard and execute our roles during practice and games.”
Looking ahead, Allyssa plans to continue her softball career at the University of Oklahoma while majoring in elementary education. For her, representing her school and community means everything. “I always leave it all on the field or court because I know I have my town and community behind me.”
