By Derrick Smith

Athletes work hard to put in the effort to become the best athlete they can be. But most athletes will tell you that just as important as the work they put in is the support and direction that they receive. Lainee Davis says that her coach and her dad have both been vital to the success that she has experienced. 

“I tend to get in my head a lot,” she said. “But my coach has never given up on me, so knowing that she still believes in me helps me to keep pushing forward and play like I know I can. Also, my dad is a role model because he played when he was younger and always pushes me to be better and play like I know I can.”

A junior at Mustang High School, Lainee is a member of the soccer team playing midfield or forward. She knows that if she wants to be her best, just putting in time at practice will not cut it.

“You cannot just work at team practices,” she said. “You have to be willing to put in the work on your own time as well. Any time you have the opportunity, you should be working on your game and working to get better.”

Individual work is important, but another key part of success is team chemistry and making sure that everyone is on the same page. Davis says that the team as a whole is always there for each other and works hard together.

“We all work for each other,” she said. “We recognize and appreciate each member of our team. When we are practicing, I enjoy going up against Liz Getz. She challenges me and is a really strong player.”

As a team, they have seen their hard work and dedication pay off in an upset of a tough opponent. 

“I would have to say that the team I enjoyed beating the most was Yukon,” she stated. “This was the first time in many years that we beat them. I felt really great to accomplish that as a team.”

Along with sports, Lainee is also a student council ambassador and a member of the National Honor Society.