By Derrick Smith

Throughout the life of an athlete, there will be people who make an impact for a period of time. This could be a long amount of time or a small amount of time, but either way, the impact they make can be long-lasting. For Lauren Allen, the person for her that has made the biggest impact is someone very close to her.

“The biggest influence is my dad,” she said. “He has been my coach since the start of it all. He has taught me how to win with dignity, lose hungry, and so much knowledge not only in the game, but also life. He is the hardest worker I know, and has taught me to work hard to reach any goal I want to achieve. He truly is my biggest fan, and is always pushing me to be my best.

Allen is a senior at Jenks High School. She plays first base for the Lady Trojans softball team, a sport she first began playing thirteen years ago. 

The success that she has enjoyed over her career did not all just happen overnight. Instead, Lauren says, her success also depends on those around her.

“To be successful in softball, I’ve learned to work hard and how to work as a team, she said. “Everything is a team effort in this sport, it takes every person. You have to be selfless, and dedicated. Ive learned I need to be motivated, and competitive enough to keep pushing myself when I’m in a slump. It also takes wanting more after having a big accomplishment.”

There have been many great memories over Lauren’s career, but one of her favorites is an accomplishment that she and her teammates worked so hard to achieve.

“My highlight moment for Jenks softball would definitely be making it to the state championship in both fastpitch and slowpitch,” she said. “Our team really worked together, and it took each of us to get there. It was definitely a cool experience. One last fastpitch season, and I think we have a great chance this year. Our team is full of talent, and if we play to our potential we have a opportunity to compete for the State Title.”