Lane Atchley, a senior at Locust Grove, plays wide receiver and cornerback and has been recognized as a VYPE Top 100 football player. However, Atchley’s skills aren’t limited to the gridiron. He also plays on the basketball team and is the starting goalkeeper for the Pirates where his pass catching ability shines. Atchley is always working to improve and coaches admire his determination.

Atchley learned his work ethic from his mom, Julie, and says that she has always been his number one fan.

“She supports me in everything I do and she pushes me to be better.  My mom’s work ethic is how I learned to be a hard worker and dedicate myself in all I do,” Atchley said.

“I push my body to its limits,” Atchley said. “My mind is always on football. I study my film and look at what I need to improve on.”

Atchley has the clutch gene and “It factor” as he proved last year.

“My favorite high school football memory is when I scored the winning touchdown against the Inola Longhorns after we were down by twenty at halftime!” Atchley said.

Looking ahead to this fall, Atchley is excited to hit the field. His goal is to stay healthy and lead the district in receiving yards. Atchley aspires to be like his football idol, Jerry Rice, who he considers to be the best wide receiver of all time and tries to mimic his work mentality and preparation.

Atchley knows that team performance outweighs individual statistics and puts the team first.

“As a team I would like to see us make the playoffs,” he said. “We are a young team in a hard division but we have dedicated players that give their best every day.”

Going into his senior year, Atchley is already looking ahead to the future.

“My plans after high school are to play college football and major in business. After college I dream of becoming a professional football player,” he said. “I would also like to coach football  and share my love for the game with others.”

Outside of athletics, Atchley is involved in FFA showing pigs, and has held an officer position for two years. He is also a member of the National Honor Society.