By: Hunter Ferguson
Stroud softball player Haylee Durrence spoke with VYPE.
VYPE: What are your personal goals for this year?
A few personal goals I have set for this year are to continue being a great teammate, have a great slow pitch season and take it all in since it’s my last year.
VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?
My favorite athletic memory was the season that led to us making it to the state playoffs. This was my sophomore year during the spring of 2022. I was attending Wayne Public School at that time. The whole journey of that slow pitch season was memorable because I got to play with all of my best friends. The previous years we had faced a lot of setbacks and that year we were all determined that no matter what problems we faced we were going to conquer them together as a team. And that’s exactly what we did. Wayne softball hadn’t made it out of districts since 2005 so being district champs, regional champs, and making a state appearance was huge for not only us as a team but for the community and school as well. We finished the season with a 28-2 record. Our successful season was made even sweeter due to all the fun and memories of a lifetime that were made.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Over time, I have had many great teammates, but the one who has left the biggest impression on me is Kaylee Madden. As a freshman coming into High school, it can be pretty nerve-racking. Kaylee made me feel right at home. We quickly became best friends on and off the field. Kaylee pushed me to be the best I could be in all aspects of life. When I would get down during a game or practice, I knew I could count on Kaylee to lift my spirits. She was always rooting for me. Even though I only got to play two years with Kaylee to this day, she is still my biggest fan. I have never met anyone more hardworking and tough as she is, and I aspire to be even half of the woman she has become.
VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on this team?
My favorite part of being on the Stroud team is all the new people I have met and fun memories I have made.
VYPE: Do you participate in any community service projects?
Yes, I have participated in the angel tree, reading buddies, canned food drives, OK kids tournament, operation Christmas, and participated in many activities through the local VFW.
VYPE: What clubs or campus groups are you involved with and why?
I am involved in softball, basketball, student council, national honor society, junior chamber commerce, business professional of America, and I am a OK girl stater. I enjoy being involved in all of these groups because it has provided me with opportunities to make new friends, learn new things, and get involved with my community.
VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
A few things that sports have taught me are that you are going to face many obstacles in life, but it is all about how you handle the obstacles that will determine your outcome. Also your attitude and mindset is everything, and you will only get out what you put in. So if you put in a ton of extra time and work hard you will soon start seeing results and the hard work will pay off.
VYPE: What is the best advice that anyone has given you?
The best advice I have been given is to “Do The Most”. Which to me means to give it your all. For example don’t finish something wishing you could’ve done a little more or been better. Just go ahead and do the most while you have the opportunity.
VYPE: Who inspires you and why?
My family inspires me every day by showing me unconditional love and support , no matter what. I know that they are always there for me, through the good times and the bad.
VYPE: Here is your chance to give a shoutout or say thank you to anyone you wish.
I want to give a huge shoutout to Kaleb Madden for always being there for me and pushing me to be the best version of myself. You are truly the best!
