Junior Macie Townes has built her athletic identity around versatility, effort and a competitive drive that carries from the basketball court to the soccer field and through the miles of cross country and track.
Townes competes in four sports at Cushing High School: basketball, soccer, track, and cross country. Her desire to improve individually while supporting the people around her has helped shape the way she approaches every practice and competition.
“I’m highly competitive and I’m always looking to personally improve my performance as well as my teams,” Townes said. “I will always be there for my team and let them know that I’m their biggest fan.”
That mindset has fueled a busy high school career. Townes’ soccer journey stands out as one of her most memorable achievements. She began playing the sport as a freshman and quickly made an impact, earning all-state honorable mention by the end of her first season.
Her approach to success goes beyond talent. Townes believes improvement comes through consistent work away from scheduled team activities, whether that means getting extra shots up in the gym or taking an easy run in her free time.
“To be successful is not just about having talent, it’s also about working hard, putting in extra time outside of practice and most of all the love of the game,” Townes said. “I like to have the mindset that there is always someone out there putting in more work than you.”
Townes credits her family with providing an important foundation. Her parents and siblings attend as many games and meets as possible, and they continue to check in when they cannot be there. Her older sister, Melannie, has also been a lasting influence.
“My number one role model would 100% be my older sister Melannie,” Townes said. “Even now as she’s moved on in life and is playing softball in college I still call her after every accomplishment and even every failure.”
Away from athletics, Townes participates in theater, Tomorrow’s Leaders and National Honor Society. She also works with the Cushing Community Center and referees youth sports. Balancing those commitments requires organization and communication with her teachers and coaches.
Townes takes pride in competing for Cushing and understands that her conduct represents more than herself.
“To represent my school it means to always have good sportsmanship,” Townes said. “When I step on the court or the field I want to be the best I can be because that reflects back on my team, my coaches, my school, and my community.”
