My name is Lily Ray, and I’ve never been someone who waits for things to be handed to me. Everything I’ve accomplished—whether it’s in school, sports, or life—has come from consistent hard work, self-motivation, and a desire to be kind to others. I’ve learned that talent is valuable, but it’s your work ethic and the way you treat people that truly define who you are. Softball has been a major part of my life and has shaped me into the person I am today. As a utility player, I’ve played multiple positions depending on my team’s needs. That role has taught me how to be flexible, dependable, and constantly prepared. I’ve spent hours on the field improving my skills, learning how to lead, and building mental toughness. I’ve played in all kinds of conditions—hot, cold, rain, tired—and never once thought about giving up, because the drive to be better has always outweighed the obstacles. My love for the sport has driven me to push past my comfort zones and demand more of myself, even when no one was watching. That same love for softball has inspired me to give back. I volunteer as a Little League coach, helping younger girls learn the game and grow their confidence. I also give hitting lessons, and nothing compares to the feeling of watching a player’s eyes light up when they finally connect with the ball after struggling. These moments remind me that leadership is about lifting others up. Coaching has taught me patience, empathy, and how to communicate in a way that fosters trust. It’s not just about the sport—it’s about helping someone else believe in themselves. One of the most impactful things I’ve done is volunteer for my school’s Special Olympics program. Working with students who have intellectual and physical disabilities has taught me more about strength, courage, and joy than anything else. These athletes show up every day with positivity, determination, and heart. Being part of their journey, even in a small way, made me realize how far kindness can go. Whether I was cheering someone on or helping them get ready for an event, I always try to have a steady, encouraging presence. That experience made me more grateful, more aware, and more committed to treating everyone with respect. While balancing sports and volunteering, I’ve also stayed committed to my academics and personal goals. I currently have a 3.94 GPA while taking college courses online, working a part-time job, and on top of my athletic and volunteer responsibilities. Managing all of these things has taught me discipline and time management. I’ve had to sacrifice sleep, social time, and comfort to stay on track—but I’ve never regretted it. I’ve always known that if I want something, I have to earn it. My journey hasn’t been easy, and that’s what makes it meaningful. Nothing has been handed to me. I've had to fight for opportunities and work hard for every bit of success I’ve achieved. That effort has shaped me. It’s made me more focused, more determined, and more humble. I don’t expect life to be easy, but I do expect myself to show up every day with everything I’ve got. Most importantly, I try to lead with kindness. Whether I’m on the field, in the classroom, or my community, I want people to feel valued and supported when they’re around me. I believe kindness is a strength, not a weakness. It costs nothing but means everything. I’m proud of who I am: a student, an athlete, a mentor, a volunteer, and a hard worker with heart. But I'm just getting started.

Losing my Papa was so devastating to me as a 9-year-old. He was there for me every day. I would get home from school, and he'd be sitting on the porch waiting for me. He was my rock. It’s hard to understand, but he was my best friend. When he passed, my entire world turned upside down. I didn’t want to play a sport I loved because it was his favorite sport. I also refused to watch our favorite TV shows and movies. He was my ride or die, and I lost him. The days felt longer, and the laughter faded. I remember sitting on the porch where we used to talk for hours, feeling empty without him. After he was gone, I refused to go anywhere because it never felt right going without him. Everything reminded me of him, from the little things like the way the sun would set to the big things like family gatherings. I felt like I was in a slump of sadness, and I didn’t know how to break free. I missed his jokes, his wisdom, and just the comfort of his presence. It was like a part of me was missing, and I didn’t know how to fill that void. As time went on, I realized I couldn’t remember him as well as I used to. The memories started to fade, and that scared me. I wanted to keep him alive in my heart, so I started playing softball again. It was a way to connect with him, to feel like he was still with me. I also began watching our favorite shows, laughing and crying, trying to hold on to every little piece of him. Now, as a junior in high school, I want to play our sport in college. It feels like a tribute to him, a way to honor the love we shared. But even as I pursue my dreams, I still carry some trauma from that loss. It’s not huge, but it affects me in ways I didn’t expect. For example, I can no longer go to funerals. The thought of it brings back too many painful memories, and I just can’t handle it. It takes a long time for me to get close to people. I find myself holding back, afraid that they might leave too. It’s like a little voice in my head reminding me of the pain I felt when I lost Papa. I know it’s not fair to others, but it’s a protective mechanism I’ve developed over the years. I want to let people in, but the fear of losing them keeps me at a distance. Yet, through all of this, I’ve learned the importance of cherishing the memories we create with those we love. I find comfort in sharing stories about Papa with my friends and family. It helps me keep his spirit alive and reminds me that love transcends loss. It’s a journey, and while it’s not always easy, I’m learning to embrace both the joy of memories and the pain of loss. It’s a part of who I am now, and I know Papa would want me to keep living life to the fullest, just like he did.

I come from a low-income house where we struggle to even pay the bills or get groceries. I am only seventeen and have tried to help pay the bills. To help my family, I have babysat since I was ten, worked for the school since I was twelve, and started working a third job this past year. My life has consisted of juggling these three jobs, sports, watching my sister, maintaining a 3.9 GPA, and keeping up with my concurrent classes. This has been challenging, but I have worked hard to help my parents provide for my family. In the near future, I hope to find a way to afford college. Staying near home is important to me, so I can continue to support my family. My dream college is The University of Oklahoma. However, I know that attending The University of Oklahoma will not be possible without obtaining many scholarships. Therefore, I have developed a backup plan that will still allow me to achieve my dreams. My backup plan is to attend a junior college, Murray State, and pursue a nursing degree. With my nursing degree, I will then apply to The University of Oklahoma and work as a nurse while I study to become a doctor. This path will be more affordable initially and will allow me to continue working to support myself and my family. Affording Murray State will still be a challenge, but it requires less money upfront compared to a four-year university. To cover the costs of attending Murray State, I plan to work as much as possible. Once I transfer to The University of Oklahoma, I will work as a night nurse to earn the money needed for my expenses. Balancing work and school will be difficult, but I am determined to succeed. While working through the night, I will take classes during the day and try to remain a full-time student. This demanding schedule will require a lot of dedication and hard work, but I believe it will be worth it in the end. My ultimate goal is to become a doctor, and I am willing to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve that dream. Despite the challenges, I am committed to pursuing higher education and a career in medicine. I understand the importance of hard work and perseverance, and I am prepared to do whatever it takes to reach my goals. By staying focused and being determined, I believe I can overcome the obstacles in my path and make a positive impact on my family and become the first to graduate college. In conclusion, even though achieving my dreams will be challenging, I am confident in my ability to succeed. With a solid plan in place and a strong work ethic, I am determined to achieve my dream of becoming a doctor. By attending Murray State and then transferring to The University of Oklahoma, I will be able to balance my responsibilities and work towards a brighter future for myself and my family.