Coweta High School sophomore Berklee Graham brings a team-first mindset to softball, whether she is pitching, playing third base or supporting teammates from the dugout.

“This year I am in the big grade 10,” Graham said.

Graham’s approach to athletics is shaped by the example of her older sister and teammate, Graycee Graham.

“My sister Graycee Graham inspires me because she just works so hard at school and softball and she is a straight A student and an amazing softball player. I want to be like her,” Graham said.

Graham sees effort as one of softball’s most meaningful rewards.

“The best is probably that the game rewards hard work and effort. When you work hard and give all of your effort, you’re not only proud of yourself, your teammates are proud of you, your coaches are proud of you, and your parents are proud of you and that’s what matters,” Graham said.

That shared commitment is one reason she enjoys being part of the Coweta program.

“What I love most about being part of Coweta Softball is how we don’t have any conflict on the team we all are nice to each other, and we all joke around with each other and it’s great,” Graham said.

As a pitcher and third baseman, Graham faces the challenge of learning defensive responsibilities that can differ between school and travel softball.

“I’m a pitcher and the third baseman and third base is a tough position, but I would say the hardest thing to remember is the bunt coverages because between travel ball and school ball both have different coverages, so I have to remember all of them,” Graham said.

Graham’s hitting routine is simple, but her mindset is aggressive.

“My process; all I really do is get some practice swings in then I swing my bat around and get in the box, but my mindset is always I’m going to hit this ball. Yes, yes, yes, until it’s no,” Graham said.

Away from the field, Graham enjoys fishing, hunting, working on her truck and spending time outdoors. Her favorite class is science, fueled by an interest in meteorology.

Most of all, she believes the team’s success comes from its players’ commitment to one another.

“I love that we play for each other we don’t play for ourselves, we don’t play for our parents, we don’t play for the coaches, we play for each other and that’s what makes us a great team,” Graham said.