Photo Credit: Maddi Renee Photography
By Derrick Smith
Most athletes will tell you that they put in a lot of hard work in order to become at their sport or sports. While physical preparation is important, Caroline Watson says that there is another kind of preparation that is just as important.
“Being successful has taken me developing a positive mindset and encouraging self-talk,” she said. “Volleyball is such a mental game and when you work on improving your mentality you’ve won half the battle. It has also taken me being intentional with every opportunity I get to touch the ball.”
Watson is a senior at Summit Christian Academy, where she plays outside hitter for the volleyball team. Volleyball is a game that Caroline loves to play and it’s one that she has competed in for about eight years.
Throughout her life, Caroline says that she has had a lot of people that have influenced her. But there are a couple that has made a really big impact.
“My biggest role models are my grandparents,” she said. “They have taught me how to work hard and love harder. They have shown me the importance of taking care of the people you love. I have been blessed to have a close relationship with all of my grandparents and it is something I don’t take for granted.”
As a student at Summit, Watson says that she has had some great teachers, but for her, there is one that stands out as her favorite.
“Mrs. Burnett was my Bible teacher last year and is the student council sponsor,” she said. “In Bible class, she taught me how to determine the truth. She has taught me so much about how to be a leader and encouraged me to step up to challenges through student council.”
Caroline also serves in areas off the volleyball court. She is the secretary of the student council, a member of the SCA choir, part of the school’s praise band, and is a football manager. While she still has time left in high school, Watson already has her eyes focused on what follows.
“After graduation, I hope to attend the University of Tulsa,” she stated. “I am undecided on what major I want to pursue, but I am interested in accounting, cybersecurity, and law.”
