“Never let anyone control your happiness…” the words of her father’s voice ring loud and clear for Hadley Periman in everything she does.

“Dad says this because I should never let anyone put my happiness in someone else’s hands,” replied the 2022 Tuttle senior. “No one can control my happiness but me.”

On the basketball court, the 6-2 forward continues to create happiness for her teammates as well as herself through a non-stop commitment to doing whatever it takes to win.

“I feel that’s the best part of my game. Whether I score 10 points, grab 10 rebounds or something I do assists my teammates by creating a chance to score or make a game changing play, I just want to win.”

The total commitment to the team effort of Periman draws praise from her coach.

“Hadley is one of the most driven and competitive athletes I have been around,” said Brian Lester. “She is a winner who has and will sacrifice her individual accomplishments for the team in order to win.”

Wearing the same jersey number (#21) that her mother wore while playing high school and college basketball, Periman was specific in defining herself as determined and passionate.

I am truly passionate about everything I do,” explained Periman, who maintains a 3.8 GPA. “I don’t like anyone to out work me in anything that I do.”

Which mirrors the importance of character, both on an off the court according to Periman.

“Good character is very important so people can trust you and know what kind of person you are. It’s not hard to see someone’s true character.” 

It’s a not just her words but it’s the actions of Periman that gets a thumbs up signal from coach Lester.

“She is a great young lady off the court and works with many of our youth players on their skills.  A lot of the youth in the community look up to Hadley.” 

A member of the National Honor Society, her college future is secure with a basketball scholarship to the University of Tulsa. And as she begins the 2021-22 season, Periman knows she and the Tuttle Lady Tigers will have a target on their back in trying to repeat as Class 4A state champions. 

“Like coach Lester has told us multiple times already this year, “our goal this year is not to win state, our goal is to be the best team that we can be. And if that is winning state, then that’s that,” echoed Periman in a confident voice. “I really agree with him. We don’t have any pressure to win state again. This is a new year. We are all focused on getting better every game and finishing as the best team we can be.

“The key to success for us is everyone doing their job. If we all do what our role is on the team, we will ultimately come together and be unstoppable.”

And simultaneously Hadley Periman will continue to control her happiness.