CHICKASHA, Okla. — “When I step on the pitch my only thought is ‘how can I score,’” said Chickasha senior Lainey Jones. “I’ve learned that if I allow myself to think about anything outside of that, I don’t play my best. When all I worry about is getting to the goal, the rest comes without thinking.”

That focus has defined Jones’ senior season as one of the state’s top offensive players. “This year my personal goals are to be selected for the All-State team and beat my personal scoring record by scoring 35 goals total this season,” she said. “I also want to help lead my team in winning a tournament.”

Jones said the Lady Chicks’ morale has remained steady. “The team morale has been strong this year,” she said. “Although we have our off days, we never stop moving forward.”

The team’s growth has gone beyond goals and wins. “One of the biggest improvements this team has made is creating a more positive atmosphere,” she said. “Instead of competition fueling negativity, it has become an opportunity for us to have fun and improve individually.”

After finishing runner-up in the district three straight years, Chickasha is hungry for more. “One of our biggest goals this year is to win Districts,” Jones said. “Placing first would give us confidence and great momentum into playoffs. To achieve this, we remember the mistakes we had and work to improve them. Our coaches continue to remind us the importance of working hard each day because there will be moments where the work we do now defines us later on.”

Jones said her team’s chemistry fuels their success. “This team’s biggest strength is our relationship with one another on and off the field,” she said. “That support for each other goes beyond the field; we’ve had each other’s backs through some hard times.”

A two-time All-District selection and top goal scorer three years running, Jones plans to continue her soccer career at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma while majoring in psychology. “I would like to be remembered as a player that didn’t give up despite any circumstances,” she said. “I hope that I can encourage others to trust God is working for their good no matter the setbacks they experience.”