Natalie Rodman is a senior softball standout at Jenks where she plays shortstop for the Trojans. For Rodman, motivation to compete day in and out comes from the desire to win a state title before she graduates. This season, Natalie will be welcoming her little sister, Isabella to the squad, who plays second base and is looking to follow in her older sister’s footsteps and have a successful career of her own. Rodman looks forward to practices and says that those are the moments when the team can all work together to better themselves as a cohesive unit to be the best that they can be.
For Rodman, success on the diamond is a result of hard work and dedication – it isn’t simply about relying on natural talent or skills.
“Having a positive mindset on and off the field is crucial,” Rodman said. “Setting a good environment for you and your teammates leads your team to be successful.”
Rodman appreciates the time and effort her coaches, teammates, and teachers have put in during her tenure at Jenks.
“Coach Williams was my physical science teacher my sophomore year of high school,” Rodman said. “Coach Williams is also my softball coach and he taught me how to work hard in the classroom and on the softball field. My biggest influences and role models have been the upperclassmen and coaches throughout the years.”
In her sophomore year Rodman and the Trojans had a successful season and made the state tournament which she remembers fondly.
“In the moment nothing mattered but the game [we] were playing,” Rodman said. “My favorite memory from the state tournament that year was getting a hit against our opponent Southmoore and scoring a run. The feeling of helping the team get closer to a first game win in state is unforgettable.”
While Rodman looks to help the Trojans make another run to the state tournament this year, there is one game on the calendar that she looks forward to in particular.
“I enjoy beating Broken Arrow the most because they always give us a really good game,” Rodman said. “We have played them two years in a row in regionals trying to advance to the state tournament.”
Rodman appreciates the work, effort, and energy her teammates bring to the squad.
“Avery Brewer is a player that needs more appreciation,” Rodman said. “She is a great player all around the field. She always brings positive energy to the team and gives us pregame speeches before every game.”
Outside of Jenks, Rodman follows former UCLA catcher Jen Schroeder and her coverage of softball and the Women’s College World Series. Following her senior season Rodman is looking forward to continuing her own softball career at the next level where she will play at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Rodman is also a member of the Drug Free Youth and Native American Clubs.
