Briley Bowman stands out not only on the field but in her dedication to excellence in every aspect of her high school career. A senior at Poteau High School, Briley juggles an impressive array of sports while maintaining her academic standing. “I play softball, basketball, and track,” she said, but it’s on the softball field where she truly shines as a shortstop.
Motivated by the desire to contribute meaningfully to her team’s success, Briley stated, “I am motivated to do well so I can help my team in any way possible.” Her drive is supported by a foundational influence from her parents, who have nurtured and pushed her to excel. “Some of my biggest influences are my parents,” she acknowledged. “They have always supported me and pushed me to be the best I can be.”
Success in sports comes not just from talent but also from dedication, a lesson Briley has embraced fully. “It has taken extra time and effort, not only in practice, but going and practicing on my own,” she explained. This commitment has paid off in memorable ways: “The highlight moment of my career has been experiencing going to the state tournament my junior year but also hitting back-to-back bombs with my best friend, Morgan Hagen.”
Beyond sports, Briley is profoundly impacted by Trevor Shankle, a teacher who has been more than just an educator to her. “He hasn’t only been a great coach and a teacher; he has always set a good example for me since the seventh grade and how to have a good relationship with God.”
Active in her school’s National Honor Society and engaged in multiple sports, Briley is a testament to the balancing act of a student-athlete. With aspirations to become an occupational therapist after college, her future is as bright as her present.
Briley’s sense of community spirit is strong. “It means a lot to me to represent Poteau Schools and community because they have supported us as a team and showed up for us when we needed them,” she said. As she wraps up her high school career, her gratitude extends broadly. “I just want to thank my parents, coaches, my teammates, fans, teachers and my grandparents for always coming to my games, and most importantly, God.”
