Practice and work is a vital part of becoming a successful athlete, no matter what level you are competing at. Jacilayne Cassell knows what it takes and she says that while the work is important, there are other things that are just as vital.
“It has taken a lot of time and hard work,” she said. “I’ve been to many softball camps and been doing pitching lessons since I was about nine years old. Also the support of my family has helped a lot with them picking me up when I was down. I couldn’t do it without my support team, including my friends’ parents too. My family always pushes me to be my best and they give me good examples to follow. They show me how to stay respectful and modest and they are always there for me.”
Jacilayne is in her junior year at Chattanooga High School. She plays basketball and softball for the Warriors. Away from sports, she serves as an officer in the school’s Future Farmers of America program, where she shows pigs and gives speeches.
Throughout her career, Cassell has enjoyed a lot of moments with her team on and off field and court. She says that she is thankful for her teammates and the bond that they have together.
“I like getting to grow with my team,” she said. “Also, watching us become closer and better teammates and overcoming obstacles that have been blocking us for so many years.”
When she puts on her uniform on game days, Jacilayne says that she is proud to compete for her school.
“It means everything to me,” she said about playing for Chattanooga. “I love the feeling of knowing that I’m representing something more than just myself. I love playing for my community, family, school, and team.”
Cassell and her teammates are always ready to compete against whoever is on the schedule. But Jacilayne has a couple teams that she enjoys beating the most.
“I would say Fort Cobb just because they are a really good team and it’s such an accomplishment beating them,” she said. “But I also have to list Empire because their girls were very physical and it was in the championship.”
