In the halls of Choctaw High School, Jensen Tilton is more than a student; he’s an excellent soccer player, fueled by family, determination and a love for the sport. As a senior, Jensen’s journey in soccer reflects the resilience and passion that defines his character.
For Jensen, family is the cornerstone of his motivation. “My family motivates me to be the best version of myself,” he shared. Additionally, the love he holds for soccer serves as a personal driving force, pushing him to strive for excellence.
Jensen looks up to his grandfather as his biggest role model, emphasizing the lessons he imparted: “He taught me to never give up and to push harder when obstacles get in the way.”
Drawing inspiration from soccer icons Messi and Neymar, Jensen aspires to reach their level of skill and success, adding an extra layer of motivation to his journey.
Reflecting on his educational journey, Jensen credits his fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Cunningham, with shaping his perspective. “Mrs. Cunningham instilled in me to always chase my dreams and to never be discouraged,” he acknowledged.
To achieve success in soccer, Jensen emphasizes the importance of extra work and dedication. “Putting in extra work at practices, practicing outside of school practices, and never giving up on myself.”
A defining moment in Jensen’s career was overcoming adversity when he tore his ACL last year. Instead of viewing it as a setback, he embraced the challenge. “Being injured only made me want to work that much harder to be back on the field.”
Carl Albert High School holds a special place in Jensen’s soccer journey, as it represents one of Choctaw’s biggest rivals. Beating them is a sweet victory that adds an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
In practice, Jensen thrives on challenges, especially when working against his friend Ray. Their dynamic pushes both players to elevate their skills. Additionally, Jensen recognizes the least appreciated player on the team, Jaxson Bestefa, emphasizing his outstanding work ethic and commitment.
To Jensen, representing Choctaw High School in soccer is more than just wearing a uniform; it’s a chance to inspire others. “To be able to show people that if you dedicate time and work, you will succeed.”
