Abbey Strong doesn’t just want Ada’s softball team to be successful; she wants every Ada High School athletic program and activity to win.
“When people spend their time supporting me, it means a lot,” Strong said. “There are many things people could be doing, but they chose to support us. It means a lot. I want others to feel that way too, and so I think any support motivates others even if just one student shows up.
Strong stars for Ada’s fast-pitch and slow-pitch teams and also plays basketball and runs track. She spends as much of her free time as she can manage at Ada football, soccer and baseball games.
“It’s important as a school to support each others’ games because students lead events,” Strong said. “I want everyone to feel supported because it is awesome when people support me and my teammates. It’s a great motivator to keep working hard.”
Locals may recognize the Strong name as Abbey’s father, Jeremy Strong, has served as Ada softball’s head coach since 2022. Being the coach’s daughter isn’t for the weak.
“It can be tough, because people think being a coach’s kid means things are handed to you when it’s actually the exact opposite,” Strong said. “Expectations are held higher because if I don’t go to work and lead by example then others won’t follow. It can add pressure but I don’t let it phase me because when you’re a coach’s kid, you can’t make excuses. “We’ve hit bumps in the road, but we work it out then forgive and forget.” Ada’s softball team thrives off Strong’s competitive ,“no-fear attitude.”
“I have the grit to go make every pay I can,” Strong said. “I try and lead by example and try to help people relax, keep it fun and I like to joke.”