Union High School’s Monica Franklin has played softball for as far back as she can remember. 14 years to be exact.
During that time, Franklin has played on many different teams with different teammates, but the Union squad has a special place in her heart.
“My team is like my family. We spend the majority of our time together and in our short season we have all gotten very close no matter how different we are from each other outside of softball. I wouldn’t trade my team for anything,” said Franklin. “Coach Courtney Dobson has made being a part of the Union family special to me because of her unconditional love for the program. She has helped me in many aspects of life other than just softball and I am very thankful for that.”
Softball is more than just a sport for Franklin. Her passion and love for the game is obvious when you watch her play. While playing a huge role in her life, it’s not the only thing she is involved in at school.
“Softball is my entire life so I am not involved in much outside of that. However, I am in National Honor Society along with National Technical Honor Society. I am also in the EMT program at Tulsa Tech,” said Franklin.
While in the classroom, Franklin said her favorite subject is Anatomy and her favorite teacher was Mr. Thompson, her history teacher during her sophomore year. But like many student-athletes her age, Franklin is looking toward the future.
“When I graduate high school, I will have my Monica Franklin years old,” said Franklin. EMT certification. I will continue my education at Oklahoma State University in exercise science and strength and conditioning. Whenever I graduate from OSU, my plan is to be a firefighter/paramedic and work with athletes on the side as a strength and conditioning coach. My dream is to get the opportunity to play softball at OSU. However, I am still working towards that goal,” said Franklin.
Franklin also mentioned her hitting instructor Mandy Sullivent as someone who has helped her become the player and person she is today.
“My hitting instructor, Mandy Sullivent, has made a huge impact on my life through softball as well as outside of softball. She has been my hitting instructor since I was 10 years old,” said Franklin.
As for playing ball with Union High School, Franklin said there have been many great memories as a Redhawk, but one stands out a little more than others.
“My most memorable moment with Union High School was going to Colorado with the softball team my freshman year,” said Franklin.
During her free time, Franklin said she enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially her grandparents. She offers this advice to the younger players coming into the program.
“Always compete against yourself on the field as well as in practice. You will never improve unless you are reaching towards your personal goals and holding yourself accountable.”
