Yukon’s Aiyana Mitchell
By Trina Walker
Making connections with teammates and coaches is Aiyana Mitchell’s favorite part of softball. Sharing the unforgettable moments when her team wins a hard game or scores a big run is what being on a team is about.
Aiyana is a sophomore at Yukon High School. She is a young player with a big passion. The opportunity to play at a high level is not given to everyone.
“Every game, I remind myself I don’t have to be on the field, I GET to be!” she exclaims. “That mindset pushes me to be the best player I can be.”
Softball has taught her a valuable life lesson.
“You don’t have to be perfect all the time; it’s okay to fail. When I don’t do good on an assignment or fail a test, I know it’s going to be okay and that no one is perfect except God.”
The biggest inspiration in Aiyana’s life is her stepdad.
“He inspires me because he has been dealt a very harsh hand of cards in his life. He turned his life around, focusing on healing and breaking the cycle for his own kids. Even though he is not my biological dad, he is one of the best people I know!” she exclaims.
Her stepdad also gives the best advice. “YDB means You Deserve Better. He told me this when I was really down on myself and talking negatively. This advice means more to me now than it did the moment he said it because he was right. The little girl inside of me that I was talking bad to DID deserve better than that.”
Kiera Scott from travel ball is an inspiring teammate.
“I have played with her for almost four years. She is just an amazing person and one of the best teammates I have ever had.” Aiyana’s favorite teacher, Coach Wyckoff, is understanding of athletes’ emotions. “He has helped me see different views on things that I would have never thought of if it weren’t for him.”
Aiyana is not alone on her softball journey. She is thankful to all her coaches and family who have helped her get where she is today.
