There is a lot of work that it takes to be successful. Whether it is with school, work, athletics, or something else, being the best is not something that happens overnight. It takes time and dedication. Addison Ferguson says that along with all of that, it also takes a strong mentality.

“To be successful, I must be dedicated to the game, consistently work hard, have a positive attitude, and have the confidence to believe in myself and my team,” she said. “It’s also about having the right mindset—staying focused, resilient, and always ready to learn—and being coachable so I can grow and improve with the guidance of my coaches.”

A junior at Chickasha High School, Addison plays point guard for the school’s basketball team. She also coaches the fifth grade girls basketball team and is a member of the National Honor Society.

There are people throughout her life that have had an impact and helped shape Ferguson into the person that she is today.

“My mom works so hard and is my biggest supporter and one of my biggest influences,” she said. “She’s the hardest worker I know and has always been my strongest supporter. Her dedication and perseverance inspire me to push through challenges, both on and off the court. Knowing she believes in me motivates me to give my best effort and keep moving forward.”

While she puts in a lot of time to be a better athlete, Addison knows that she has to work that much or more in the classroom to be a successful student. It can be tough at times, but she says that juggling school and sports can be achieved.

“Balancing schoolwork and activities has become more challenging now that I’m taking college courses,” she said. “But I’ve learned that good time management is key. Prioritizing tasks, staying organized, and making sure I manage my time effectively has helped me stay on top of both my academics and sports commitments.”