Amelia Miller, a junior at Tahlequah High School, is a versatile athlete, excelling in both softball and tennis. As a catcher and first baseman in softball and a doubles player in tennis, Amelia finds her biggest motivation in her teammates. “I love getting to compete with them and always want to be at my best for them.” Among her sources of inspiration stands James Vickrey, her softball coach since the age of eight, who has not only coached her on the field but also imparted invaluable life lessons. “He has been my biggest cheerleader, and I owe a huge part of my accomplishments to him,” she expressed gratefully. Coach Parker has also been influential on Amelia: “For always taking the time out of her day to help us and always knowing the right thing to say!”
In addition to her coaches, Amelia acknowledges Mrs. McElmurry at the VOTEC for her significant impact on her growth as both a student and a person. “She teaches us life lessons and genuinely wants the best for us no matter what,” Amelia remarked, highlighting the importance of mentorship in her life.
Amelia’s success in sports is a result of her unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence. She adheres to Coach Chris Ray’s advice to “do the little things better than everybody else,” recognizing the significance of attention to detail in achieving success. One of her most memorable moments came during her junior year when she hit a walk-off double at regionals to secure a victory over Grove.
In competition, Amelia thrives on the thrill of victory, especially relishing wins against tough opponents like Durant. She finds motivation in her teammate Katie Moore, whose quiet dedication and hard work often go unnoticed.
As she looks toward her future, Amelia plans to pursue her LPN certification and bridge to her RN certification or explore opportunities to play college softball before eventually applying for medical school.
For Amelia, representing her hometown holds special significance: “Representing your hometown is a super special feeling, having the people you’ve grown up around supporting you is very rewarding when they see how much you’ve grown as a player and a person.”
