For Poteau High School senior Maggie Wheat, softball isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifelong passion. “I’ve been playing softball my entire life since t-ball,” Maggie said. Her love for the game has driven her to dedicate countless hours to the sport, and her commitment shines through in every aspect of her game.

A key figure in Maggie’s life has always been her mother, who she credits as her biggest influence. “My main influence is my mom who has always been my biggest influence,” she shared, reflecting on the strong support system that has fueled her success.

Maggie takes her role as a senior on the team seriously, embracing the responsibility that comes with leadership. “As a senior, I feel that my role is to just be a leader and a good influence for my teammates,” she explained. This leadership is evident in the way she fosters a close bond with her teammates. “The team chemistry is great. All of us girls get along so well, and we are basically family at this point. I can always go to them if I need anything.”

Throughout her career, Maggie has faced her share of challenges, including finding her ideal position on the team. “The most challenging moment in my career has been trying to find my place on the team where I feel confident and help my team the most.” However, her versatility has turned this challenge into an asset. “Throughout my career, I’ve played just about every position, but it’s only made me a better player in the long run.”

One of the standout moments in Maggie’s career came last season, when Poteau advanced to the state tournament. “Winning Super Regionals and going to State for the first time was truly the most unreal feeling and one of my favorite softball memories.”

As she looks ahead to her future, Maggie has her sights set on attending the University of Oklahoma and pursuing a career in the medical field. While her days of playing softball may come to an end, she knows the sport will always hold a special place in her heart. “I won’t be playing softball in college, but I will definitely miss it all the time.”

For now, Maggie remains focused on finishing her senior season strong, with hopes of winning Regionals and making another deep postseason run.