Yale's Bailey Beavers – Character Counts Presented by Central Electric Cooperative

By Kelsey Baucom

From playing in third grade to starting varsity her freshman year, Yale senior Bailey Beavers has always loved the game of basketball.

“One thing that really made me know I wanted to do this as long as I could, was going to a women’s OU basketball game when I was really young. Watching them play gave me such a drive to try and get there one day,” she said.

Bailey takes a lot of pride in representing her school on the basketball court.

“My favorite thing about competing for my high school would have to be the sense of pride it gives me,” she said. “Knowing that I am wearing my town’s name on my jersey, and that it’s my responsibility to go out there and make my school and community proud.”

She is also proud of her teammates and the season they’ve had so far. She is hoping to end her senior season on a high note.

“This season has been the best I’ve seen my girls do in my four years of high school. The team I have works so hard and I know I can depend on them to work hard every game,” she said. “It has definitely been my favorite season. I hope for the rest of the season, that I go far in districts with my team, and make my last game as a high-schooler one for the books.”

Bailey holds herself to a high standard on the court and strives to be an athlete of good character.

“Having good character, to me, means taking responsibility for your actions, having honesty in everything you do, and making good judgement,” she said. “I implement this on the court by being the best role model for my team that I can be, by helping other teammates up after a battle for the ball, to having good sportsmanship every game, and being honest in every play.”

Bailey’s character has been influenced by her parents, who she looks up to and admires.

“My parents are most definitely my role models, from supporting my decisions, to getting me the supplies needed to excel, to attending all my sports games,” she said. “They teach me everyday that no matter what happens, I have to keep pushing. You can always do more than you think you can, and they make me realize that. They are so very supportive and I know that it’s okay to fail, but it is never okay to give up. You can’t change the past, but you can always change the future.”

Along with basketball, Bailey plays volleyball, softball, and runs track. She is also active in Beta Club, which allows her to volunteer in various capacities. She currently attends a Vocational-Technical School where she is pursuing her Certified Nursing Aide license and learning about Sports Medicine. Her post-graduation plans are to attend college, hopefully play some basketball, and become a physical therapist.