Brynlee Hopkins is a student athlete at Bixby High School. Just like all of her counterparts, she works hard to continue to get better and be at the top of her game when it is time to compete. A couple of years ago, she learned of an obstacle that was in her path. But instead of giving up and letting it get her down, she worked to learn how to deal with it as an athlete.
“In 2022, I found out I had type one diabetes,” she said. “As an athlete, I didn’t know what that meant and if it would prevent me from playing softball. With the help from my doctors, family and determination, I didn’t let it stop me from doing what I love. Nutrition is very important for an athlete and having T1D doesn’t stop me. It motivates me.”
Hopkins is a sophomore at Bixby, where she is a member of the softball team. She also plays travel ball for Tulsa Elite 27/28 National. Outside of sports, she is part of NCL Bixby, which is an organization that focuses on volunteering in the community and with national non-profits.
Throughout her time playing softball, there have been some big moments that Brynlee has enjoyed. But she has one moment that stands out as her favorite.
“I think my highlight would have to be starting varsity as a freshman,” she recalled. “Being able to help bixby host their first regional in a long time was really great.”
There have been those in her life that have helped her get to where she is today, both athletically and as a person.
“My biggest role models would have to be my parents,” she said. “They push me to be the best version of myself. Another person that had an influence on me was my sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Plumlee. Even though her class was fun, I learned so much from her and she gave the best advice. She is still rooting for me to this day.”
While playing softball is something she enjoys, it is not the only thing. Hopkins also enjoys being able to be a positive representation of her school to the younger students.
“This past year at Bixby we had several youth teams come to our games,” she said. “We had the opportunity to practice with them on the field and give them a glimpse at playing high school softball. It is important to me because I want them to love the game as much as I do and know it is much more than just playing softball.”
