Carly Erpeldling is a sophomore at Owasso and plays on the softball team. Erpelding is a jill of trades on the diamond where she plays third base, first base, and catcher. Erpelding stays motivated on and off the field thanks to her family’s support and encouragement. 

“My family motivates me to be not only the best player that I can be but also the best person I can be,” Erpedling said. “I also have the motivation of creating a successful life for myself. My parents play such a big role in my life, always supporting me and my dreams while also working hard to support our family.” 

In the classroom Erpelding is also a motivated and great student where she is a member of the National Honor Society and strives to be the best student that she can be. One teacher in particular that made an impact on her life occurred in elementary school. 

“My fourth grade teacher Mrs. Goodell has always supported me in my softball dreams and goals while also helping me find confidence in my own skin,” Erpelding said. 

On the diamond Erpelding knows that failure is just another opportunity for growth. 

“Softball is a game of failure, you fail more than you succeed, so I’ve found that through my success I’ve had to trust the process,” Erpelding said. “Challenges will always be present but if you continue to work and trust the process then success will find its way to you.” 

As just a sophomore Erpelidng has already had some experience playing at the varsity level in high school which she considers to be an early highlight of her career. 

One game Erpelding looks forward to each season is playing against Owasso’s rival Choctaw. 

“I think winning in itself is amazing but any team can beat anyone,” Erpelding said. “I think I enjoy beating Choctaw because we’ve always had a rivalry with them.” 

Erpelding appreciates all of her teammates and coaches at Owasso and looks forward to competition throughout the year. 

“Everyone on the Owasso softball team is appreciated in their own ways,” Erpelding said. “The coaches put forth effort into each and every one of my teammates which is one of many reasons why we come together as a team so well and have success.” 

One person Erpelding follows on social media for motivation is Jen Schroeder. 

“My favorite person I follow is Jen Schroeder because she not only is an amazing catcher who used to catch at UCLA but also helps younger girls feel comfortable and confident in their own skin!”