By Rose Hutchins

Bailey Daniel, a senior at Enid High School, is ready to close out her high school athletic career on a strong note. In volleyball, she is a pin hitter while in track she does high jump.  Both require a lot of work and mental discipline.

Bailey acknowledges her Nana and parents for being her biggest supporters in all aspects of life. She shares that her Nana has been a constant example on how important it is to keep Christ at the center of everything you do.

“I always try to follow Christ and live by him the way she does,” Bailey says.

She also credits her parents for showing her that challenges can be overcome and mistakes are opportunities to grow. They’ve taught her to use setbacks as learning tools, helping her improve and become prepared for the next game.  

“I like working against myself in practice, it helps me correct my mistakes,” she explains.

Becoming the athlete Bailey is today did not come easy, it took a lot of hard work and extra hours outside of school. For volleyball, she joined local clubs in Enid to get her the extra time and coaching she needed to make it to the next level. In high jump, she always had the natural ability for it, but has to grind extra hard in the gym to improve her vertical.

Bailey is most proud of making it to nationals not just once, but four times with several different club teams. She’s also proud of advancing to state, and although she finished third and didn’t get the outcome she hoped for, she’s determined to go one step further this year and bring home the state title.

Bailey loves representing her community that continually recognizes and supports her. Her advice to the next generation is to never be too hard on yourself.

“Always chase your dreams, no matter how big or small,” she said.  

Bailey plans to attend college out of state, where she hopes to continue her athletic career while pursuing a degree in cosmetic dermatology, with the ultimate goal of attending medical school.