Mackenzie Howard

Bixby High School

As the fastpitch softball season presses forward, Bixby High School’s Mackenzie Howard and her teammates are hard at work to make this a season to remember. The Lady Spartans picked up wins early in the season against Sand Springs, PC North, Ponca City, and Muskogee.

Like many of her teammates, Howard started playing softball in elementary school.

“I started playing in fifth grade when I was around 10. I wasn’t totally in love with softball until I started catching. I loved being able to be a leader behind the plate,” said Howard.

As a first year varsity player, Howard said the speed of the game can change and it’s something she is enjoying.

“There are girls of various ages so I get to play with older girls and get use to a faster pace,” said Howard. “Everyone shares the same desire to win, which leads to a lot of hard work from everyone.”

That work ethic comes from her family and the coaches she has played for over the years.

“I’ve been taught through my parents and coaches that success comes from practice, hard work, and repetition,” said Howard. “My parents have made a huge impact on my life, with always supporting me in whatever I chose to do and pushing me to be the best.”

The hard work is paying off for the team. Being a student-athlete at BHS is something special for Howard and her teammates.

“Bixby provides an environment that allowed you to balance your sport and life outside your sport focusing on education first,” said Howard. Away from the field, Howard said she enjoys spending time with friends and family and traveling. Her future goals include attending college where she hopes to play college softball.