By Payton Means 

Throughout an athlete’s high school career there are usually people who have a major impact on their life. It can be a fellow teammate, coach, celebrity, or classmate whose effect on their life has been unmeasurable. Simone Bates says that a famous gymnast has been a major influence in her life. 

“Simone Biles is close to my age,” she said. “It’s so inspirational to see people pursue their dreams and stand up for what they believe in no matter what the cost is. I believe it proves to the younger generation that nothing is impossible and you don’t have to wait until you’re older to pursue what you love.”  

Bates is a senior at Jenks High School, where she is a member of the cheer team. She started participating in cheerleading during her sophomore year. Her advice for future high school athletes is something that everyone could use. 

“From personal experience, being confident in everything that you do would be the best advice I could ever give,” she said. “I didn’t know much about cheer and was not familiar with the way that things worked however, I consistently reminded myself the scripture, ‘I can do all things through Christ that gives me strength’. Whatever skill that was presented to me I did it whether I was scared or not. Yes, I fell so many times and broke a bone but I still was able to bounce back and continue cheering.

Bates has experienced many very memorable moments in her career with her teammates but there are a couple that stand out above the rest. Homecoming and NCA 2020 are her most memorable moments of high school so far.  

“At homecoming I felt the ‘high school feeling’ that is seen on movies,” she said. “It was so much fun to get pampered and take pictures with my friends. It was the best experience ever. I also broke my finger at NCA 2020 doing a toe-touch back handspring and even though it was the most excruciating pain I’ve ever felt, everyone was so loving and caring. No, we didn’t win that year however it will forever be the most memorable 1st NCA ever.”

Simone is still deciding on what she wants to do with her future. 

“I still am currently undecided but I am leaning towards attending the University of Oklahoma or Baylor next fall and major in Nursing.”