The Artistic Vision: “Faces of Hope” These two storage containers stand as more than mere vessels for pet supplies; they are vibrant canvases that tell tales of unwavering hope. Hive Appeal’s Kelly and Ty Tompkins have transformed these containers into colorful, larger-than-life pet caricatures—each brushstroke a testament to the love and dedication poured into the day-to-day work of a no-kill animal shelter.
Symbolizing Hope “Faces of Hope” represents the very essence of our mission. As we open these containers, we celebrate the hope that exists within these walls—the hope that every wagging tail, every gentle purr, and every trusting gaze carries. It’s the hope that keeps our tireless volunteers going, even when the days are long and resources scarce.
Storage for Compassion But let’s delve deeper. These containers are not just about art; they are lifelines for pet owners facing financial distress. Inside, you’ll find the ESPCA Pet Food Pantry, stocked with nutritious kibble, treats, and essential supplies. When families struggle to make ends meet, these containers ensure their beloved pets won’t go hungry because no one should have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their furry companions.
A Community Effort Park Avenue Thrift, PACE, Hive Appeal, ESPCA generous donors, staff, and volunteers have come together to create something truly special—extending compassion to humans and animals alike.
How You Can Help You, too, can be a part of this ongoing story of hope. Consider donating pet food, blankets, or funds to the ESPCA Pet Food Pantry. Volunteer your time, share our mission, and spread the word. Together, we can ensure that no pet faces hunger or abandonment due to financial hardship.
Faces of Hope—because every pet deserves a chance, and every act of kindness matters.
The ESPCA welcomed Lina from Animal Welfare. They think she might be a Carolina dog mix. She is sweet, well-mannered, and even-tempered and knows the interactions of sit and paw. Lina is approximately two years old and a great medium size. You should definitely visit her in the ESPCA kennels Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Meet Oliver Kitty! This handsome guy has become a complete sweetheart with whom to interact. He likes to roll on his side and extend a paw in friendship, and it’s just so adorable. If you think he’d be right for you, come to see him in the ESPCA lobby and lavish some love on him! You won’t regret it!
If you have decided to put off having an elective surgery, you may find that it can cause more harm than good. Whether it is a gall bladder removal, a hernia repair, or other types of non-urgent procedures, it’s important to understand the consequences of delaying your care.
David Shepherd, MD, general surgeon with St. Mary’s Physician Associates, discusses the risks and dangers of postponing elective surgeries, like gall bladder and hernias.
Can a medical condition worsen if surgery is postponed?
Yes. Delaying elective surgery may allow the underlying medical condition to worsen over time. This can lead to increased pain, discomfort and reduced quality of life for the patient. In some cases, the condition may become more difficult to treat or manage as it progresses.
What are some of the complications?
As medical conditions progress, they may become more complicated to treat surgically. For example, delaying elective joint replacement surgery can lead to increased joint damage and may necessitate more extensive procedures or result in poorer outcomes.
Can postponing result in emergency situations?
Yes. The risk of an emergency is dependent on the type of condition. Some elective surgeries are recommended to prevent the development of serious complications. Delaying these surgeries can increase the risk of unexpected medical emergencies, which may require urgent or emergency intervention. For example, postponing gall bladder removal could result in a rupture, causing an infection. Delaying a hernia repair may result in the twisting of the intestines, cutting off blood supply.
Can postponing cause psychological effects for the patient?
Yes. Patients may experience increased anxiety, stress or depression related to their untreated medical condition or uncertainty about when they will receive treatment. For patients with chronic pain or limited mobility, they may experience ongoing discomfort, difficulty performing daily activities or reduced independence while waiting for surgery.
Overall, while there may be valid reasons for postponing elective surgery, such as prioritizing urgent or emergent cases, or addressing capacity issues within hospitals, it’s essential to weigh the potential risks and benefits carefully with your physician, and consider your needs and concerns.
To find a doctor and schedule an appointment online, visit stmarysphysicianassociates.com.
For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
It’s officially April, and no, that was not an April Fool’s joke – it really is April. The first few months of 2024 have flown by, which means summer is right around the corner. With summer comes the Best of Enid 2024. Voting is now open, so be sure to vote for your favorites because the competition was very close last year, in more than one category. There will only be 50 winners, but every business in Enid is truly the best of the best, which goes hand in hand with this month’s cover story. April 28th is National Superhero Day, and in honor of Superhero Day, we sat down with a few of our heroes here in Enid. Our community heroes may not wear capes, but they’re heroes, nonetheless. Whether they’re a nurse who gives their all or a teacher who pours into future generations, the people who show up in your life daily are your unsung heroes. Think about it – what would life be like without them? With those thoughts in mind, carry them with you throughout the month as you come across everyday heroes because who doesn’t like a little bit of appreciation or recognition here and there? So, thank you, heroes, for all that you do and are. Enid wouldn’t be what it is without each of you!
Have you ever wished you could meet a real superhero? Do your kids love Iron Man, Wonder Woman, or Spider Man? These days, it seems like superheroes are everywhere: the movies, tv and streaming shows, and endless rows of toys. From brightly-colored costumes that may or may not involve a cape to special powers and abilities, superheroes are downright fun. And they might have the occasional setback, but they always end up saving the day.
Well, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that we have some real superheroes right here in Enid, too. They don’t wear capes—and as far as we know, none of them can fly—but they are heroes, nonetheless. In fact, every single day, they are making a difference and having a positive impact on the people in our community—our friends, neighbors, and families. We had the privilege of sitting down with a few of these superheroes, and these are their stories.
Hospice Nurses: Not just a job, but a calling
According to recent headlines, former President Jimmy Carter has officially marked one year in hospice care. Frankly, these reports were a bit surprising because not many people realize that a person can even be in hospice for a year. Many assume that hospice care means the end is near, but when we sat down to chat with Enid nurses Donna Hicks and Stevie Powell, they stated that this is a common misconception.
Local superheroes Donna Hicks, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Stevie Powell, a registered nurse (RN), both work at Hospice Circle of Love in Enid. They are knowledgeable and friendly, and they radiate the warmth and compassion that you would expect of hospice workers. They kindly sat down for a recent interview, and it was downright eye-opening.
Each woman took a different path to Circle of Love. Donna went to Autry Tech after raising her kids, eventually becoming a nurse in her fifties. After working at a dialysis center and then a nursing home, a colleague noticed her skills and abilities with dying patients and encouraged her to apply for a job with hospice. On the other hand, Stevie knew from childhood that she wanted to be a nurse. Recalling her grandfather’s hospice experience, she says that looking back, “He would just light up, and I thought if I could do that for somebody at the end of their life, what a rewarding experience that would be.” After earning her nursing degree at Northern Oklahoma College nine years ago, she worked as an ER nurse before landing at Circle of Love.
While hospice work can take place in hospitals or nursing homes, Donna and Stevie said that their work is frequently performed at people’s homes. While no two days are ever the same, the basic procedures are consistent. When conducting patient visits, Donna says, “We check their vitals, their medications, their safety—anything that they might need or anything the family’s needing.” She said they also do “medication teaching for the family,” so that the family members are equipped to handle basic medicine needs.
According to Donna, hospice requires “a terminal diagnosis of six months or less, but with that being said, we’ve had patients for days and we’ve had patients for years.” With each patient being visited anywhere from two times a week to everyday, depending on their needs, the goal is always quality of life. And far from the bedridden stereotype, some hospice patients are able to enjoy a variety of things outside the home. Stevie pointed out that “They get to enjoy life more. They’re not homebound, so they get to see their families. They get to go out to dinner or go on trips to see their family members. We bring everything to them so they can have that quality of life.”
One thing that is important is how hospice nurses are able to practice self-care, since such work requires a great deal of empathy from its workers. When asked about strategies for nourishing the emotional and spiritual facets of the job, Stevie and Donna were happy to share that Circle of Love has several things that address this very concern. First, Stevie said, “We have two chaplains that are available to us 24/7, as well as to the families.” Hailing from local churches, Chaplains Gary and Shelby offer much-needed support and care.
In addition to chaplain support, Circle of Love makes sure that staff are taken care of in other ways, too. There are quarterly reflections, where they remember patients who have died that quarter. “It gives the nurses a chance to talk and reminisce about the good things,” said Donna. In general, the Circle of Love environment is like a family. “If someone’s having a problem, we’re all here,” according to Donna. Staff also do dinners, Bible studies, and basically just have each other’s backs as needed.
Donna wants the Enid community to know that “This isn’t a job. It’s a calling.” And Stevie stated that “Everyone has a preconceived notion that hospice is just straight, end-of-life care, that they have X days to live, and that’s truly not the case.”
What is the case is that for Enid families with loved ones who may be needing hospice care, there are some terrific options right here at home. With Donna, Stevie, and their colleagues providing top-notch care, they truly qualify as superheroes without capes.
Chaplain: Just a Job? Nope!
Jerred Unruh may be the chaplain at the YMCA, but he swears that he’s not going to try and preach a sermon at you while you’re bench pressing. In fact, in his role as chaplain at the Denny Price YMCA, Jerred doesn’t do any preaching at all. Jerred actually has two roles: not only does he serve as chaplain, but he is also the property manager. He describes it as “taking care of the physical needs of the building and also the spiritual needs.”
Born and raised in Enid, Jerred earned a business degree at OSU and attended seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He and his wife, Kerrie, have two children. Jerred has had several pastoral jobs in Enid, including at First Baptist Church, which is a literal stone’s throw from the YMCA. Being a pastor is something that is fairly easy to understand, but fewer people are familiar with what a gym chaplain actually does.
When asked about this, Jerred kind of laughed and sighed gently. “It’s still a discovering kind of a question for me.” He explained that historically, YMCA facilities have had chaplains (the ‘C’ in the acronym stands for Christian) and that here in Enid, the Denny Price Y has always had a Christian influence. Jerred sees his evolving role as trying to see how they can best weave the Christian mission into all areas of the YMCA. Part of that is ministering to the staff; Jerred said, “I’ve had members come and ask, hey, could you come pray with me?” And they hold weekly staff Bible studies, as well. But part of the effort is also offering opportunities to people. “It’s not me being pushy,” Jerred said, but rather giving people the chance to experience the Christian message. For example, he does outreach with local youth sports organizations and also hosts brief talks with the afterschool children’s groups. However, he emphasizes that it’s not about “beating people over the head,” but sharing the gospel with people and just being able to “love on them where they are.”
In his efforts to care for the YMCA’s physical and spiritual needs, Jerred goes the extra mile. One minute he might be helping a colleague with a scripture question, and that might be immediately followed by a meeting with a contractor working on an electrical issue. The day to day managing of the chaplain side of things combined with “managing our maintenance staff” definitely requires balance, but Jerred insists that “it’s not any different than what we’re asking our other staff or CEO to do.”
The main thing that Jerred wants people to know is that as a Christian organization, there is definitely a goal of “highlighting the ‘C’ part of the YMCA…but if you’re not a Christian, that doesn’t mean you’re not welcome here. Matter of fact, you are SO welcome here!”
Teaching: Also not just a job
When Emily Cordova, who teaches kindergarten at Monroe Elementary School, was asked if there was anything she wanted the public to know, she didn’t hesitate: “You never know when you’re going to be the light in the middle of something…it’s such a great joy that you get when you see that kid going through something coming out of that…” Emily may be in her first year of teaching, but without a doubt, she is having a positive impact on the kids in her class.
It’s an impact that she almost didn’t have the chance to make. Originally a nursing major at Northwestern Oklahoma State here in Enid, Emily was on track for a career in healthcare. But after a tragic incident, her trajectory was forever changed. One day, Emily witnessed a motorcycle accident, and she tried to help the victim, saying, “I stopped to do CPR, and when I tried to, he died… So, I couldn’t do it. I was like, maybe this is God telling me, you’re not meant for this.” Emotionally, Emily knew that she had to change careers, and she had always loved the idea of teaching. So, she switched her course of study to education and graduated in December of 2023.
Just as Emily is being a positive influence on her students, she also well remembers those teachers who made a difference in her own life. She mentioned several, highlighting for special mention her fourth grade teacher, Ms. Christine Clifton. Emily’s family had recently moved to the United States, and she spoke little English. Emily landed in Ms. Clifton’s class at Enid’s Taft Elementary, and Emily says that “she made the biggest impact,” one that Emily treasures to this day. Special mention was also made of Dr. Steven Mackie at Northwestern, who Emily says, “is really my mentor… if I need anything, I go ask him.”
As a teacher who is bilingual in English and Spanish, Emily really values being able to support children who are English language learners. There are a handful of bilingual children in her class, and Emily emphasizes how wonderful it is to help students with the academic content level but also to connect with them on the human level. She explained that “when I was growing up… I felt like an outsider… But when you come and bring someone with the same language, you feel like you’re at home. And that’s what I want to bring to my students, to feel welcome and feel like this is for them and they’re part of this.”
Sitting in on the interview was Emily’s colleague and friend Natasha Stocks, who teaches first grade at Monroe. Natasha also graduated from Northwestern and is in her first year of teaching. She urged people to remember “that these are kids… just let them have fun and experience life while they are young.”
Hopefully you enjoyed meeting some of Enid’s superheroes! As you can see, none of them wear capes and none of them can fly, spin webs, or command magical hammers. And, to the best of our knowledge, none of them have appeared in blockbuster films. No, they do things that are way more cool than that. By simply doing what they do—helping the sick, teaching children, and ministering to the local population—these folks serve as true, genuine heroes to the Enid community. Donna, Stevie, Emily, Natasha, and Jerred are the real deal, folks: the hometown heroes who make a difference each and every day.
So, the next time you see one of them or one of their undercover colleagues who are also making a difference, give them a smile. You could also give them a hearty “Thank you,” to express your appreciation, but none of them do it for the thanks. They do it for the love of their fellow humans, and that is something that can inspire everyone.
Coming off fast-pitch softball’s best season in many years where they went 26-10, the spring slow-pitch season is starting off with a great group of girls who are determined to beat last year’s slow-pitch record of 21-17. While not every fall fast-pitch player joins for the spring slow-pitch season (some play other sports or enjoy the time off), the bulk of the team enjoys getting out and getting dirty on the field.
“We really consider this an extension of the fast-pitch season,” says 4th year Head Coach Chris Jensen. “We really use it to get some of the younger girls some varsity experience, and it’s really good to work on baserunning and defense. Even though it’s a little more laid back for me as a coach, and fun for the girls, they get a ton of action in the field. No one is striking out, lots of balls get put in play and lots of balls go over the fence, so it’s a pretty good time.”
Coach Jensen says that he’s really excited to watch some underclassmen slow pitch this year. “Sophomores Jaelyn Imani and Macee Buck both have some pop, so they will definitely get a hold of a few, and Cassidy Patterson and Andee Radar, who both started most every game as freshmen this year, will also get some good playing time and be fun to watch.”
Joining these four will be about sixteen other girls, not a single one of which is a Senior. ‘All the Seniors are playing other sports or are just ready to move on to college or have other things going on,” says Jensen, “but that’s what is great about slow pitch, the younger girls get PT (playing time) and really get involved in the culture of our team.”
As any successful coach knows, that culture needs to start as early as possible, and for now, it starts with 6th grade intramurals at the local middle schools, and then with the two middle school teams that draw players from all 3 middle schools. “Unlike other sports where each school might have a team, we have to combine the schools to form teams because of pitching. Not every school has enough arms to make a team, so it’s best for us to combine the schools and have an “A” team and a “B” team. The coaches there do a great job introducing the sport to the middle school kids. In fact, we have them practice with the varsity team here at the high school field for the first few weeks so they can get a sense of the culture and see the older girls play” says Jensen.
It would be impossible to have so many girls on the same field, without the beautiful new facility that was provided by the district. The indoor facility allows the team to practice rain or shine, and it gives the coaches the ability to split up practices more efficiently and get in more drills. This “sure hasn’t hurt and has probably helped” the team in the win/loss column according to Jensen. If you want to see some long bombs, some hard hits, and some slick fielding, check out the Slow-Pitch Softball team this spring!
The knee and hip joints are crucial for maintaining mobility and performing daily activities. However, they are susceptible to wear and tear, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis, which erode the protective cartilage and cause pain, stiffness and reduced function. In some cases, joint replacement surgery is a viable option to relieve pain and restore normal joint function.
These surgeries have become increasingly common, offering a new lease on life for some individuals suffering from chronic joint pain and impaired mobility.
Edgar Fike, MD, orthopedic surgeon at the Joint Replacement Institute, a program of the St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center Department of Orthopedics, discusses the need for knee and hip replacement surgery and the latest surgical techniques.
What conditions benefit from knee and hip replacement surgeries?
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that affects the joints, resulting in inflammation, pain and potential joint deformities
Post-traumatic arthritis, which can develop after a serious knee injury
Hip fractures, often resulting from accidents or falls
How are these surgeries performed?
Robot-assisted surgery offers enhanced accuracy, resulting in improved outcomes and reduced recovery times.
Customized implants enhance the precision and fit of the prosthetic joint, optimizing overall functionality.
The use of advanced materials, such as high-performance plastics and metal alloys, contributes to the durability and longevity of knee implants.
Is rehabilitation an important part of the recovery process?
Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the success of knee and hip replacement surgeries. Physical therapy programs are tailored to each patient’s needs, and focus on strengthening the surrounding muscles and promoting a gradual return to normal activities.
Patients who undergo knee and hip replacement surgery often experience a significant improvement in their quality of life. Reduced pain, increased joint function, and enhanced mobility contribute to a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.
What is the Joint Replacement Institute?
The Joint Replacement Institute is a specialized unit dedicated to providing efficient, personalized, quality care to people who’ve had joint replacement surgery. Our program includes an experienced team of medical professionals who provide clinical, evidence-based patient care to help patients return to normal daily activities as quickly as possible.
The Joint Replacement Institute is proud to announce they have achieved The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification in Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement. This certification was achieved by demonstrating compliance with the organization’s national standards for healthcare quality and safety in disease-specific care.
For a free physician referral, call 580-249-3741. To learn more about the Joint Replacement Institute, visit stmarysregional.com/institute.
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you.
Physicians are on the medical staff of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
This month’s issue of Now Serving is Soup Enchiladas! This recipe has a special place in my heart, another one learned from looking over the shoulder of my mother-in-law and tweaked over the years to be what we think is perfection now!
Like all the recipes I’ve written since I began this column, this particular recipe is another make it as you like it, no wrong way, difficult to mess up, old reliable recipe! Our standard serving amount is six, because there are six of us more often than not, so feel free to adjust the ingredients! As for the recipe itself, one of our tweaks is that of roasting the peppers. Either Anaheim or Poblano, whichever is your preference or is available at the time, can be omitted completely, but it just adds another level to the overall dish if you include them, and it’s worth the extra 15 minutes required! So on to the recipe- now serving Soup Enchiladas!
4-6 corn tortillas per person
Oil to fry tortillas, about a cup
1 22.6oz can cream of chicken soup
1 22.6oz can cream of mushroom soup
Water or milk to prepare soup as directed on label
1 tbsp garlic powder (or to taste)
3 tbsp beef bouillon powder (or Caldo de Res)
1 tbsp onion powder (or to taste)
5 Poblano or Anaheim peppers
Shredded Mozzarella cheese (as desired)
This first step with the peppers is optional. The peppers can be roasted by either placing them directly to a flame on a gas stove top, or in a fry pan on an electric stove top until the outsides are black and crisp. Place peppers into a Ziplock bag and let sit for 5 minutes. Peel all of the burnt skin off and discard, and dice peppers into small pieces.
In a large saucepan or pot, combine the soups and water/milk, garlic powder, onion powder, bouillon powder, and diced peppers. Mix well to combine and cook over medium heat until boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low once boiling.
In the meantime, while the soup is heating, heat the oil in a small frying pan until hot. Place one tortilla at a time into oil and let cook for about 10 seconds, flip, repeat on other side. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel lined plate. Continue with all tortillas desired.
Once all tortillas are cooked, it’s time to assemble.
On a serving plate, scoop a ladle full of soup onto the plate. Place one tortilla in soup. Place another scoop of soup on top of the tortilla, repeat with remaining 4-6 tortillas, top with desired amount of shredded cheese. Build remaining plates the same way, with desired amount of tortillas per person. Serve and enjoy!
What do you get when you combine a young boy with too much on his shoulders, an inspiring friend, an eccentric grandfather, and a giant pumpkin? Seed, the 2022 release from Welsh author Caryl Lewis. It is her English language debut and was chosen as an Oklahoma Sequoyah book this year. Seed is a beautiful, quirky middle grade novel that is a delight to read at any age.
Marty is just trying to be a normal kiddo, but with an absent father and a mother who hoards everything in their house, life isn’t easy for him. When his grandfather gifts him a seed on his birthday, Marty’s world opens up in ways he never could have imagined. He has always dreamt of seeing the Eiffel Tower but never has had the money to go there. Enter, Grandad’s latest outlandish idea: add an engine and a sail and turn the pumpkin into a boat! Soon, Marty, his new friend Gracie, and Grandad are feeding the plant seaweed tea, eggshells, bird manure, and more to try to grow it as large as they can. But when the growth stalls out, they discover, with the help of their neighbors, that the only way for the pumpkin to keep growing is if people are brave enough to tell it their wildest dreams. Will it work? Can they actually sail down the Seine to Paris?
It takes a little stretch of the imagination to picture a giant floating pumpkin, but Seed is so charming and fun. It’s got wonderful lessons on friendship and following your dreams, and with the delightful characters, I can only hope for a sequel. Whether a kiddo wants to plant a seed of an idea or a seed of a plant, this book is a wonderful read for them.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Seed today!
The goal of the Enid Arts Council is to encourage and support cultural and educational events, both by our attendance, volunteer work, and financial assistance for the greater Enid area.
The 30 volunteer members of the EAC Board exhibit a love of community combined with a passion to further the arts and instill an appreciation for our heritage. This group exemplifies what the arts and humanities can do to enhance quality of life in Enid and the surrounding areas. We have provided thousands of dollars in grants and have supported art and literary activities for groups and individuals throughout our 40+ years. Recipients of grants have relied on our support for programs such as literary projects, art and music in our schools, Gaslight Theatre, Leonardo’s, Chautauqua, Enid Symphony, and the list goes on. Since 2005, the EAC has been a part of the distinguished Kennedy Center Partners in Education Program. The primary purpose of this program is to provide professional development in the arts for elementary teachers. The result of this knowledge will inspire them to teach the curriculum with fresh and innovative lessons. This has enriched the instruction of many teachers in Enid Public Schools.
In order to fund these projects and grants in our community, EAC continues to seek ways to secure revenue. We have an annual fund drive and a fundraiser each year. This year EAC is delighted to host…
ART THAT INSPIRES
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2024, 6:30 PM
OAKWOOD COUNTRY CLUB
The evening begins with cocktails and dinner after which our artist and keynote speaker, Will Rosenberg, will paint a picture of a life journey that has taken him around the world seven times. Will Rosenberg is a sparkplug for creativity. He will provide impactful content creatively delivered to invigorate and inspire. Will brings fire to the stage that is absolutely infectious. He will lift the audience with topics crafting a resilient equation such as how to bounce back from anything, especially in the midst of uncertainty. He will insist that you discover YOUR inner strength and resilience!
Will also has a gift for working with young people. This year with a generous donation from Park Avenue Thrift, EAC has made it possible for Will to work with students at Enid High School. He will provide an interactive art experience that will help them discover their inner strength and resilience.
We invite you to support the arts and humanities by attending this engaging event. Tickets are $100 and available from: EAC members, The Enid Welcome Center, and via the Enid Arts Council website: enidarts.org.
The last several years’ events were “SOLD OUT” so get your tickets soon and join us for an incredibly inspirational and unique evening!
Hey, y’all!! Welcome to the March Teen Scene column in ENID MONTHLY. March is known as Women’s History Month, but I have already written about that. So, this time, I wanted to write about some women athletes who have inspired me through my track and cross-country seasons. Let’s go!!
The first woman that I have found to be very inspiring is the one and only Simone Biles. If you don’t know who she is, you should totally look her up!! She is an amazing gold medalist, Olympic, and gymnast. I would even say she is one of the best to ever do the sport!! She has inspired me because even through her tough mental battles, she was able to control them, push through and come out, show out, and be positive. Whenever I go through mental blocks in my running, it’s very hard to push through them, but I remember that Simone is very successful in her career and if she can push through, so can I.
The next woman I follow along with is the Tennis QUEEN herself Coco Gauff. I remember seeing TikToks of her standing her ground to a ref in one of her matches and was immediately like “I love this girl”. She is so strong-willed, humble, and GORGEOUS, and the fact she won the US Open at 19 YEARS OLD just tops it off. She makes me wish that I had started competitive tennis at a younger age and stuck with it so I could be as amazing as her and inspire younger girls like me.
The last woman I enjoy watching and admire is Kate Mackz. Now she isn’t a big, famous athlete, but she is pretty well known across TikTok. She runs with celebrities and asks them if she can run usually 4-10 miles with them, and then she will buy them a new pair of sneakers. She is good at running a super steady, fast pace while being able to hold a conversation, and I genuinely find that so fascinating. When me and my teammates go on long runs, it sometimes becomes difficult for us to talk if we go too fast, so Kate has helped me learn how to pace myself better and be able to hold a conversation.
Thank you for reading this month’s article. I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for upcoming articles email me at tweensceneenid@gmail.com I would love to hear about some women athletes who have been inspiring to you so email me for that as well!! I hope you all have a wonderful March and a beautiful start to your spring. As always, see you next month!!
