Raylee Gaston is a sophomore at Broken Bow and plays in the outfield for the Lady Savage softball team. Gatson has been playing softball since she was six years old and started playing competitively when she joined a travel team at eight. Outside of softball Gaston also plays basketball and runs track for Broken Bow.

Over the years Gatson has learned many skills and life lessons through softball and other athletics that she can apply to other aspects of her life. On the field, however, there are certain characteristics that she looks for in herself and teammates.

“Some of the best qualities you can bring to your team are positivity, being coachable, and to genuinely want your teammates to be as good or better than you are,” Gatson said.

Gaston enjoyed the time she spent with her friends, teammates, and coaches throughout the fall. There was one game in particular that stood out to her.

“One of my favorite memories was this year when we played Poteau. We were tied 8-8 in the top of the 8th… Camp hit a solid double, I got on with a walk, and Brantley cleared the bases with a homer to put us ahead and seal the win,” Gaston said. “I love this because we kept fighting hard and came together as a team for a great win.”

While Gaston enjoys her time on the field and bonding with teammates, she is appreciative of the support she receives from friends and family off the field as well.

“I consider my mother as a role model,” Gaston said. “She taught me to never give up when adversity hits, to be strong, and she has made me who I am today. I am forever thankful for her.”

In the classroom Gaston takes her studies very seriously and is the sophomore student body class president. Gaston said that her favorite subject is chemistry and that after high school she would like to attend college to further her education and hopefully continue her playing career in one of her three sports.