Coweta’s Lydia Surber

Coweta junior pitcher and first baseman Lydia Surber has become a steady presence in the Tigers’ lineup, pairing power in the circle and at first base with a mindset built on discipline and composure. She said softball has taught her self-discipline, mental toughness and teamwork, lessons that shape how she competes and how she carries herself off the field.

One of Surber’s favorite memories came last season when Coweta upset Pryor, a game she said few people expected them to win. “I am most proud of when we beat Pryor last year because we were not expected to beat them,” Surber said. That night reinforced the belief that Coweta can match up with anyone when the Tigers trust their preparation and play with confidence.

Surber said she first learned to love learning and competition in the classroom with her fourth-grade teacher, who remains a favorite because “she made every day fun while still learning.” On the field, she looks up to former Team USA star Jennie Finch, noting that Finch was both a dominant pitcher and a genuinely good person. Surber also draws inspiration from Florida standout Skylar Wallace, saying she admires the way Wallace plays with intensity and energy every pitch.

At Coweta, Surber points to former senior Kye Carter as the teammate who left the biggest impression on her. Carter’s constant encouragement and leadership set a standard Surber now tries to pass down to younger players. “She was always cheering everyone on while being a leader,” Surber said.

Representing Coweta means carrying on a tradition of postseason success, and Surber said she loves the pride that comes with the Tigers’ multiple state tournament appearances. She leans on advice she once received — that you cannot control the uncontrollable and must move on to the next pitch — to stay steady in big moments. Above all, she said she is grateful for her family, thanking them for always supporting her softball journey.