By Derrick Smith

Success is something that all athletes strive for. While each person’s definition of success can be different, the work that it takes to achieve it is usually similar. Abby Conaway knows what it has taken for her to reach the level of success she has enjoyed. 

“It has taken a lot for me to be successful in sports,” she said. “I have had to stay disciplined while having a positive mindset. I also have to remember just to have fun and enjoy the game.”

Abby is a senior at Norman High School, where she is an outside hitter for the Lady Tigers volleyball team. She first started playing volleyball when she was a seventh-grader at Alcott Middle School.

There have been many people that have had an influence on Abby over the years but she says that there is one person in particular that you look up to. 

“My family is the biggest influence on my life,” she said. “One specific person I look up to is my friend’s mom, Kelly Hames. Kelly is someone I look up to because she always listens and gives smart advice. I also admire how great of a mom she is.”

Another person that has had an impact on Conaway’s life is a teacher that taught her more that what was in the lesson. 

“My favorite teacher is Ms. Tracy Gibson,” she said. “She was my 10th grade art teacher. She taught me how to have fun while learning and how to work with others. She was a great teacher and a great person.”

Conaway has been able to make a lot of lasting memories over the years, both with her teammates and friends. But she says out of all the memories she has made, there is one memory that stands out as her favorite.
“Being able to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics was a great experience,” she said. “I was able to travel to California and compete in Beach Volleyball Nationals. It was a really great opportunity.”

Outside of volleyball, Abby is also a member of the National Honor Society, Link Crew, Water Club, and Kindness Club.