There is someone in everyone’s life that is a role model. It could be someone that we know well or it could be someone that we observe from a distance, like a celebrity. Either way, these are people that we look up to and try to learn from. Baily Wiggins has someone that she is close to and whom she has watched for most of her life.

“My biggest influence or role model has to be my dad,” she said. “I see him work so hard for our family and he always strives to do the best he can at any task given. He has given me endless support, encouragement, and advice to help push me.”

Wiggins is a senior at Locust Grove High School, where she plays shooting guard and small forward for the Lady Pirates. She is also involved in a number of groups around campus. She serves as a class officer, she is also a member of the student council and a new club called Link Crew. They welcome incoming freshmen into the school and give them a comfortable transition into high school.

Throughout her career, Wiggins has put in a lot of hard work so that she can be at the top of her game. She knows that the only way to keep getting better is to do the work.

“Some of the things that I have done to help myself become successful is to play AAU basketball, spend hours in the gym with family, and having teammates that always push me in practice. You also have to keep yourself motivated to do the work. My motivation comes from all of the endless support I receive from my family and friends, my teammates, and my community.”

While she receives a lot, all the support that Bailey gets does not just revolve around sports. She says that she has had some outstanding teachers in the classroom and there is one teacher that has had the biggest impact on her.

“The teacher that has been influential for me is not my own teacher, but a teacher I intern for,” she said. “Her name is julie Atchley. She takes care of me. She helps me with any kind of problem or schoolwork that I’m stuck on. She’s one of my biggest supporters.”