By Derrick Smith

Family can play a big role in the lives of high school student-athletes. Emilee Rhymer says that one of her family members has had the biggest impact on her life.

“My biggest influences have to be family,” Emilee stated. “My sister, Hannah, who is a fellow basketball player and teammate, has always pushed me to excellence and taught me to give the game all I can. Although we fight at times I know she wants what’s best for me. I’ve definitely learned, and continue to learn, a lot from her.”

Rhymer is a senior at Pryor High School, where she plays center for the Lady Tigers basketball team. She also plays doubles as a member of the school’s tennis team. 

Along with learning from her sister, Emilee says that as a member of a team, the good of the team has to be your goal. 

“To be successful in sports I have definitely had to learn how to play for the bigger picture,” she said. “I don’t think about playing for myself, I think about the girls that stand beside me in the countless hours of practice and who take the losses with me. I have to strive for excellence for them.”

Emilee says that one of her favorite teachers is someone she is close to and who has made a huge difference in her life.

“My favorite teacher has to be my mom,” she said. “Her profession is in education, but she’s taught me more about life than anyone else could. I am thankful to have her as a teacher and a parent.”

Rhymer is also involved in various groups and clubs around the school and she is even involved around the community. She is the president of the student council, a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Student Lead Team. She is a Mid-American Ambassador, a dancer at Heather’s Dance Studio, and helps out elementary students as a math tutor.