By Derrick Smith

Athletes at all levels strive to be the best at their sport. That level of success is not something that just happens. Even though they may have natural talent, the athlete still has to put in the work and effort to become the best that they can be. 

Kade Hollingshed is a senior at Oklahoma Union and he says that the work he has put in is what has made him successful. 

“If you want to be successful at anything in life, you have to be willing to work hard,” he said. “That is what has gotten me to where I am today. While the work can be tough, it is worth it in the end when it pays off.”

Hollingshed plays basketball and baseball for the Cougars. He plays point guard on the hardwood and second base on the baseball field. No stranger to sports, Kade says that he began playing both when he was in first grade and he has played them ever since. 

He has had numerous people that have been a part of his athletic career, but there is one person that has always been there for Kade.

“My mom has been the biggest influence on my life,” he said. “She has pushed me to become the best player, teammate, friend and person I could possible be and I wouldn’t be where I am at today with my mom.”

The head basketball coach for Oklahoma Union, Lee Ott, says that Kade is a great player and leader on the team.

“He is the brother of the state tournament MVP and he is a coach’s kid,” Ott said. “When Kade is on the floor, it is like having another coach out there. He is a floor leader and very savvy.”

Throughout his career, Hollingshed has enjoyed a lot of great memories with his teammates, but he says that when it comes to his favorite moment, there is one obvious choice. 

“Winning the Class 2A state championship in basketball would have to be the best moment so far,” he stated. “Seeing all of our hard work pay off and reach the goal we had set for ourselves was great. Being able to enjoy it with my teammates was great too.”