INFLUENCE…some people try to use it for personal gain…but for Carlee Cole, a recipient of this year’s Fellowship of Christian Athlete All-State honors, it’s the opportunity to help others find a better way and experience joy in life that matters most.

“Influence is the impact you have on others daily. I think that altogether, influence has the ability to have an effect on the character development of others,” Carlee said with confidence. “I’ve been influenced by so many amazing people and that is something I tried to do daily as well. You are always influencing someone, whether you know it or not.”

Carlee’s resume of accomplishments is impressive, athletically and academically. 

During her high school career, she was part of the Sulphur girls’ teams that qualified for the state tournament in basketball, fastpitch softball, slowpitch softball, track and cross-country. While maintaining a 4.0 GPA and number-1 ranking in the 2022 senior class, Carlee’s academic influence helped her team win OSSAA Academic State Championships in softball, basketball and twice in track during her four year career. Above all of her achievements, she’s most proud of the opportunity to share her faith through sports.

“FCA is important to me because of how it involves two things I love,” replied the 2022 Sulphur High School graduate. “Jesus Christ is the most important thing in my life and by being active in many sports, I have the platform to show the love of Jesus by the sports I play.”

With her high school career now complete, Carlee looks forward to continuing her efforts to make a positive difference and help others find happiness in life through her faith while attending college at East Central University in Ada.

“I’m going to major in elementary education because I want to pour into others what has been poured into me by my teachers and coaches,” Carlee said. “I want to try to make an impact on kids and change their lives like mine was changed by so many great people.”