Oklahoma Christian School senior defender Mia Chesley has grown up in the Eagles’ maroon and white, and she is determined to help lead them on a deep postseason run in her final season. From preschool to her varsity years, she has found both her voice and her confidence in a program she describes as a true family.
At the heart of Chesley’s experience is the tight-knit culture at Oklahoma Christian School. “I love that every team at OCS is a community and a family,” Chesley said. “We all bond together so easily and laugh constantly, which helps us push one another and have fun while we are doing it.”
Her development on the field this year has been shaped by growth off it. Chesley recently committed to play at Oklahoma Christian University and said that decision brought a new calmness into her game. “My biggest development coming into my senior season at OCS is the peace I feel from the Lord because of my commitment to Oklahoma Christian University and the Lord’s faithfulness and provision I have seen throughout that process,” she said.
A steady presence on the back line, Chesley plays both center back and outside back, where mistakes can be costly. “The most challenging thing about playing those positions is the small margin for error you are given,” she said. “It can be intimidating at times with the responsibility of being the last line of defense, especially as a center back. However, that pressure definitely pushes me to get better at each practice.”
Her favorite soccer memory came as a sophomore in the playoffs. After losing to Heritage Hall in the state championship the previous season, OCS answered with a 3-0 win in the first round a year later. “Beating them 3-0 the following year while being so united and motivated as a team made it really memorable, exciting, and one of my best games,” Chesley said.
Chesley credits a wide circle of influences for her growth, from her parents and older brother to her friends and Pawpaw. She also leans on lessons from both soccer and cross-country, which she said have taught her leadership, creativity, discipline, gratitude and confidence. “I am so grateful that I have been able to do multiple sports at OCS because it has made me a higher performing athlete, a better leader, and a stronger believer,” she said.
