By  Derrick Smith 

Athletics are something great for kids to be involved in. Not only does it keep them in shape, it also helps them learn abilities that will be beneficial for them as they grow up.

“Academics will always be our top priority,” said Holly Pickelsimer. “But there are life lessons that are learned in sports that are invaluable.”

Pickelsimer is the mother of two students at Mustang high school. Her daughter, Logan, is a junior and a member of the softball team, National Honor Society, and carries a 4.3 grade point average. Her son, Jackson, is a sophomore and a member of the baseball team with a 4.0 grade point average. 

While she enjoys seeing her kids compete, Holly also does a lot to help out wherever she can.

“I try to find ways to help out with their school ball teams by volunteering my time,” she said. “Parents are needed to work concessions, gates and even plan end of season banquets. We all try to do our part. I also spend a lot of time trying to keep up with schedules. With two kids playing competitive summer ball, my husband and I often have to divide and conquer. Sometimes being in 2 different states at the same time.”

Along with the volunteering, Pickelsimer is also the treasurer for the fastpitch and slowpitch softball booster clubs. 

Being an involved member of the community, Holly says that the town of Mustang is a great place to be. 

“The majority of our community is supportive and participates in making our school year the best it can be,” she said. “Not just fundraising but also donating their time. We have a great group of parents working within both softball and baseball boosters. Covid restricted much of our fundraising abilities but we all worked together to find ways to keep our programs funded. I have to compliment the way the coaches, athletic director,  and teaching staff have handled such a complicated year.”