By Derrick Smith
Success is something that looks different to each person. And athletes are no different. Some may see success as winning a championship or reaching a personal milestone, while others may see it as just continually improving. Now matter how they view it, it takes a lot to get to that point. Abbey Hagen says that it takes as much mental preparation as it does physical.
“My success in sports has come from my mental game,” she said. “For softball, remaining calm and refraining from becoming timid on the field was super difficult for me my freshmen year. Though I had played competitive softball for years up to that point, playing in high school was a different experience and pressure. I worked hard to overcome that mental block and haven’t turned back since. For golf my success also amounted to my mental game. Golf is all about how you strategize and maintain a good attitude. I’m continuing to work through my mental game for each sport and recognizing my mental errors, addressing them, and moving on.”
Hagen is a senior at Claremore High School. She plays left field for the softball team, while she is bag one for the golf team.
There have been many people that have made an impact on her life over the years, but there are a few people that have had the biggest influence.
“My mom, dad, and older sister are huge role models for me,” Abbey said. “They have taught me how to see the good in everyone and how to stand up for myself, others, and the things I believe in.”
As a student athlete, Hagen knows that her school work is important and she is thankful for teachers like Joy Hatfield that have made balancing school and sports a little more manageable.
“Mrs. Hatfield is my favorite teacher,” she said. “She has not only taught me the monstrosity that is AP Chemistry but she taught me many life lessons. I am so grateful for the time she spent with me in class answering all of my never ending questions and remaining understanding. She has always been patient with me and is one of the best teachers at Claremore high school.”
