By Payton Moody
Meet Kelsey Cauthron, a standout softball player from Idabel High School. With dedication and a relentless work ethic, she has secured her place as the McCurtain County Softball Poll Winner.
When asked about her favorite coach, Cauthron doesn’t hesitate to credit her dad, Jimmy Cauthron. “My favorite coach has been my dad, Jimmy Cauthron; he has coached me my whole life through travel ball and even helped in school ball as well. He made me the player I am today.”
In the world of sports, camaraderie and teamwork often define success. “I have had so many teammates throughout the years, and one player who has always had a great attitude and is an outstanding player is Caitlynn Hammer. We played many travel ball years together,” Cauthron recalls.
Beyond the diamond, Cauthron’s education played a vital role in her development. “My favorite teacher was probably Rachel Barron,” she said. “She was my junior English teacher and she taught me a lot about life and helped me through my college courses. A real sweet lady!”
To excel in the upcoming season, Cauthron dedicated her off-season to improving her curveball, and the results speak for themselves. Her dedication to skill refinement sets the stage for an impressive season ahead.
Softball isn’t just a sport for Cauthron; it’s a life lesson. “This sport has taught me many things, but one that I understand now is that you’re going to fail over and over, but if you stay with it, you will eventually be successful,” she notes.
Cauthron’s illustrious high school career is punctuated by numerous memorable moments. Yet perhaps none shine brighter than making the state tournament all four years and winning the state title in slow-pitch during her freshman year.
As she embarks on her senior season, Cauthron and her team have a common goal. “This season, we have all new pieces on our team, and our goal is to make the longest run in fast-pitch softball that Idabel has ever had,” she said.
Looking beyond high school, Cauthron aspires to play two years of college softball while pursuing a degree in radiology. Her future is as promising as her softball career, with the potential to make a significant impact on and off the field.
