Athletes have moments throughout their career that are special to them for a number of reasons. Matti Hess has a moment that she was able to share with a family member that she will not forget.

“The highlight moment of my career is when I was able to cheer at the state wrestling tournament,” she recalled. “What made it so special was that my papa was coaching his wrestlers while I was cheering. It was really cool to be able to share that moment with him.”

A senior at Vinita High School, Hess is a member of the cheer, cross country, and track teams. She is also involved in the student council, the National Honor Society, and the National Technical Honor Society.

Vinita cheer coach, Christy Kennedy, knows that Matti is an outstanding example for the rest of the team and she is always ready to help whoever needs it.

“Matti is dedicated to making the team better,” coach Kennedy stated. “As captain, she encourages others to do their best and to practice at home. Matti is very talented and is very capable at cheering at the collegiate level.  Matti was also named as an All American Cheerleader at the University of Oklahoma Varsity Spirit Camp this past summer.”

While she enjoys cheering, Hess knows what it takes in order to reach your full potential at what you are doing. It is more than just showing up on game day.

“You have to be willing to put in a lot of hard work and dedication in order to be successful,” she said. “Sometimes you have to make tough sacrifices, but it is worth it when the work pays off.”

Once she graduates high school, Matti knows what her next step will be.

“I’m planning to go to college to get a degree in the health field,” she said. “I currently go to Vo-Tech to study phlebotomy. I just want to add that my whole family has also been a really big support system for me, they push me in any sport that I do. There is no way I would be where I am today without them.”