By Derrick Smith

Athletes do not just show up on the game days and compete. There is a lot of preparation and work that goes into being ready to play and to become better at your sport. Danika Watson says that for her to be the athlete that she is today, it has taken a lot of work. But she says that the best part of playing sports is to reap the benefits of the work.

“It has taken a lot of hours of hard work,” she said. “I have also been dedicated to my sport and getting better. It also takes work outside of organized practices, you have to be willing to put in some work on your own at home. The highlight of my career so far has been seeing all of my hard work pay off and me getting better at the sport that I love.”

Danika is a junior at Grove High School. She plays first base as a member of the softball team. Watson is also a member of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America organization. She says that she has had a couple of people that she looks up to as role models and examples in her life. 

“The biggest influence in my life is my mom,” she said. “She is always in my corner cheering me on and supporting me. The other would have to be former softball player at the University of Oklahoma, Lauren Chamberlain. She is an outstanding softball player and a great role model for the younger softball players to look up to.”

Though she is always ready when the lights come on, Danika knows that practice is vital to be ready for competition. 

“One thing I always try to remember is that every practice is a competition for playing time,” she said. “So if you don’t work hard at practice, you might not see the field during games.”

Watson says that out of all the teams that they play, there is one that she likes to play against the most. 

“The opponent I enjoy beating the most would be Jay High School,” she said. “Because I used to go to school there.”