There are a wide variety of people that an athlete can look up to as role models. Celebrities, professional or college athletes and social media influencers are just a few. While those are solid role models for some, there are other people like Samantha King who has someone a little closer to home to admire.

“The biggest influence on my life is my brother Dillon,” she said. “He has run track and played baseball and he is what motivates me and inspires me. Also, my dad because he was a good baseball player and he has taught me a lot in life.”

Samantha is a sophomore at Ada High School, where she is a member of the softball and track teams. King and her teammates work hard so that they can be their best whenever they step on the track or the field.

“It has taken a lot of energy and time to be successful,” she said. “There has been a lot of hard work that I have put in and I have also stayed dedicated to my sports. I really appreciate all of my teammates and the work that they put in. We all work together and help each other out and support each other through everything. We work well together and have great team chemistry.”

While she has had some memorable moments in both of her sports, Samantha says that there is one moment that she shared with her team that would have to be her favorite.

“I would have to say that the highlight moment of my career was probably running my first relay with my team,” she recalled. “We did so well and I was really proud of us.”

Samantha also enjoys spending some time on her social media accounts and says that there is one person that she enjoys following the most. 

“My favorite person I follow on social media is softball player Rylie Boone for the national champion Oklahoma Sooners,” King said. “She just really inspires me with how she plays softball. She’s a great person and has a great personality.”