Winning a regional basketball championship and advancing to the state track meet have already given Aydien two memorable moments in an Idabel uniform. Both accomplishments also showed the Idabel High School junior what can happen when hard work is matched by consistency.
Aydien competes in cross-country, basketball and track, moving from one sport to another throughout the school year. Each one presents a different challenge, but all three require preparation, discipline and a willingness to work alongside teammates.
As a freshman, Aydien helped Idabel win a regional championship in basketball. Aydien has also advanced to the state track meet as a member of the 4×400-meter relay team.
“Some of the accomplishments I’m most proud of are winning regionals as a freshman in basketball and going to state track for the 4×4,” Aydien said.
Those moments stand out, but Aydien values what happened along the way just as much. Competing in three sports has taught lessons that carry into school and everyday life.
“Sports have taught me important lessons like working hard, being consistent and working as a team,” Aydien said.
Former teammate Baker Hoskins helped reinforce those lessons. Aydien competed alongside Hoskins in basketball for two seasons and track for one. Hoskins provided encouragement, expected effort and made sure Aydien had someone to lean on.
“He pushed me really hard in both sports, and he looked out for me,” Aydien said.
Aydien also stays active at Idabel outside of competition. In addition to basketball and track, the junior participates in Student Council, Key Club and National Honor Society. Balancing those commitments with three sports makes the value of consistency even more important. Those activities give Aydien more opportunities to contribute at school and stay connected to classmates beyond practices, games, meets and races each season.
The strongest support throughout Aydien’s athletic journey has come from home. Aydien’s mother has remained encouraging through the demanding practices, changing seasons and challenges that come with athletics.
“My mom has helped me get through a lot of my athletic journey,” Aydien said. “She has always cheered me on and stayed positive.”
With another year of high school still ahead, Aydien already has a regional title and state appearance to remember. The junior’s focus, however, remains on the daily effort required to create more opportunities in every sport.
“The best piece of advice I’ve received is that being consistent makes working hard easier,” Aydien said.
