Shawnee’s Jocelyn Hayes
By Mike Moguin
In only her second season of softball at Shawnee High School, Jocelyn Hayes has earned the respect of her teammates, which has led to her being selected as team captain.
“It is an accomplishment I am most proud of,” she said.
Hayes said that she has learned a lot in her 12 years of playing the game. “But one thing that makes me a better person today is my leadership and my ability to come back after hard losses,” she said. “Softball is so much more than a game. I think of it as a lesson to grow as a person.”
Outside of softball, Hayes is involved in the National Honor Society and is a tutor for younger children.
“My favorite part about representing SHS as an athlete is just the great community, we have with some of the best coaches and a great support system,” Hayes said. “The best and honestly most simple advice someone has given me was ‘move forward, go all out with no regret,’” Hayes said. “Eventually, this will all be over, so I’m not dwelling on the past and giving it my all every time.”
Cochana Martin is the teammate who makes the biggest impression on Hayes.
“She is our pitcher. Her positive energy can always make me laugh, and we just have the greatest memories on and off the field,” the two-year Wolf said.
Hayes is most inspired by her family.
“They always try coming to as many games as possible, even if it’s a far drive,” she said. They always know how to pick me up after bad games and cheer me on through all the good ones. I want to give a huge thank you to all my coaches and family for getting me where I am today. Most importantly, my mom. I would not be the person I am today without her. She will always be the loudest one calling my name from the stands,” Hayes added.
Follow Jocelyn on Instagram @jocelyn.hayes14_
