For Jenks High School varsity baseball player Alex Courtney, every pitch and every play carries weight. The multi-position athlete, who plays both outfield and pitcher for the Trojans, has learned that mental toughness is just as important as physical skill.
“The hardest thing I would say while pitching is that you can’t let one pitch or hit affect how you play the rest of the game,” Courtney said. “In the outfield, the hardest part is staying alert at all times and focused pitch by pitch.”
That focus has helped Courtney thrive in a program known for its rich history and high expectations. The Trojans have built a reputation as one of Oklahoma’s premier baseball programs, and Courtney takes pride in wearing the uniform.
“Representing Jenks is special to me because it is more than just a name,” he said. “It comes with a great line of history.”
Beyond his individual contributions, Courtney values the culture his teammates have created. He credits the group’s competitive drive and accountability for pushing him to improve daily.
“What I love most about my team is how they hold each other to a high standard and push each other to be the best they can be each and every day,” he said.
When it comes to inspiration, Courtney looks no further than his own family. His brother, Cooper, serves as his role model.
“The person who inspires me the most is my brother, Cooper,” Courtney said. “He always works hard and is always talking me up. I strive to be more like him.”
Courtney brings versatility to the Trojans, identifying competitiveness, speed and baseball IQ as his main strengths. He also participates in basketball and football at Jenks and is involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes program.
Through sports, Courtney has learned valuable lessons about resilience and growth.
“Sports have taught me that failing is part of the game, and you’re going to fail more times than you will succeed,” he said. “Taking those losses and learning from them will ultimately help me get to the next level and continue to get better.”
