Mikah Vann is a senior pitcher at Tahlequah, but is also a star on the tennis court and has been playing doubles since her sophomore year. Vann is a high character student-athlete and has shown her ability to step up and perform on the field, court, or classroom from an early age. She recalled one moment from her freshman season that stood out in particular.
“My proudest accomplishment has to be my freshman year regionals,” Vann said. “I would have never thought that I would help my team pitch our way to state as a freshman but I did. That was a huge growing up experience that has followed up to this day.”
Vann has a great support system at home and often looks to her mom for advice.
“I consider my mom my role model and inspiration. My mom didn’t know much about softball like she did with basketball but she really stepped in and helped me get better as our years passed by,” Vann said. “Like any mother, she was my first supporter. She inspired me in many ways, physically and mentally. The biggest thing my mom has really helped with is being mentally tough no matter what the situation is.”
Vann has the awareness and craft to get the most out of her abilities and utilize her unique talents.
“Out of all of the great softball memories, I think my favorite memory has to be winning my first tennis doubles tournament. I didn’t grow up playing this sport so my energy is everywhere whenever I play,” Vann said. “I carried my softball energy to this very delegate sport. Plus my doubles partner is one of my best friends. She matches my energy which makes it more exciting to play. I may be left handed in softball, but in tennis I am right handed. Being right handed in tennis means I can swing my back hand like I’m swinging a bat. That came in clutch a lot in tournaments. Winning my first tennis tournament was very exciting.”
When Vann isn’t competing in softball or tennis, she’s probably giving pitching lessons to youngsters looking to improve their own talents. Vann also spends her time umpiring games at the local park. After high school Vann wants to continue her education and study either psychology or business.