At second base, Rylee Stark cannot let her attention drift. Every pitch requires the Tahlequah High School sophomore to check the situation, communicate and prepare for the next play.
“The hardest part is probably staying focused every single pitch because you have to be ready for anything,” Stark said. “You have to know the situation, communicate with your teammates and be prepared to make a play at any time.”
At the plate, her approach is the opposite: clear away extra thoughts and focus on one job.
“I try to keep it simple,” Stark said. “I focus on having a good at-bat, staying relaxed and trusting the work I’ve put in. I try not to do too much and just focus on hitting my pitch hard.”
When Stark talks about softball, her answers return to people. She believes players reveal themselves in how they respond when a teammate struggles. No one should feel isolated by a mistake or difficult game.
“Always pick up your teammates,” Stark said. “Whether someone is having a great game or struggling, you never let them feel like they’re alone. We are a team, and we win and lose together.”
Zoie Griffin embodies that standard for Stark. She pushes Stark to work harder and believe in herself. Stark described Griffin as someone who makes everyone around her better.
Asked what she most enjoys about being part of the team, Stark did not choose a win, hit or defensive play. She chose the relationships that continue after the final out.
“I love being around my teammates and having people who push me to be better,” Stark said. “Some of my favorite memories come from the things that happen off the field, not just during games.”
Those values begin at home. Stark credits her family with supporting her, encouraging her and teaching her to work hard, remain humble and persevere when life becomes difficult.
Her interests at Tahlequah stretch beyond softball. Stark participates in FCA, S-Club, Science Club, Youth Medical Mentorship and RISE. She also enjoys playing other sports, supporting school activities and spending time with family and friends.
The lesson she intends to carry forward is not that preparation guarantees success. It is that an unsuccessful moment does not have to be the last one.
“You aren’t always going to be successful, but you have to learn from your mistakes, keep working and come back stronger,” Stark said.