Meeker Public Schools senior Aiden Hessman has built his high school legacy on versatility, drive, and a steady commitment to doing things the right way. A two-sport athlete in basketball and golf, Hessman embraces the challenge of competing year-round, always willing to play “a little bit of everything” when his team needs him. That team-first mindset has made him one of Meeker’s most dependable contributors and a respected leader among his peers.
Motivated by his desire to become the best version of himself, Hessman credits his parents and Coach Thomas as some of his biggest influences. “They all show me how to do things the right way,” he says, an approach that has shaped his work ethic on the court, on the course, and in the classroom. He also points to Coach Herring and Mrs. Sellers as two educators who have had a major impact on his life. Their willingness to support him, whether academically or personally, has helped him navigate the demands of being a student-athlete.
For Hessman, success hasn’t come by accident. It has taken “a lot of time and dedication,” a grind that paid off during one of his favorite career moments: his first in-game dunk. It’s a memory that still brings a smile. When it comes to rivalries, beating Prague sits at the top of his list. “They’re our rivals, and it’s always good to beat them,” he says with a competitive grin.
In practice, Hessman enjoys going head-to-head with teammate Castin, noting that the two push each other to get better every day. He also highlights Bryce Bussell as the team’s most underappreciated player, the one who embraces tough, often overlooked jobs, such as diving for loose balls and creating deflections.
Beyond sports, Hessman stays active in the Student Council and the National Honor Society. Balancing it all requires planning and keeping priorities straight. “I always make sure my work is done before anything else,” he says.
For Hessman, representing Meeker means everything. “Only a few guys get to do it,” he says. “Every time I go out, I try to represent Meeker the best I can.”
