No excuses…while some think success comes from good luck or enormous talent, Allison Bond understands a simpler way: through self-discipline.

“Grit is continuing to work hard even when life gets tough. Growing up, there has always been a focus on mental toughness,” explained the four-year starter in centerfield and captain of the McAlester Lady Buffaloes fastpitch softball team. “I’ve learned the importance of staying focused, working hard, and being a leader even when I am tired.” 

On the field, Bond’s efforts have earned All-District honors her freshman through junior seasons in softball as well as playing center back on McAlester’s soccer team. 

Being gritty also helps Bond achieve success in the classroom where she owns a score of 32 on her ACT exam and her 4.56 GPA currently ranks number one in the McAlester senior class of 2022. Bond’s academic achievements set the standard for the Lady Buffs softball team who last year won the Class 5A Academic State Champions award.

“Allison’s work ethic is always to be commended. She sets a great example for her peers, on and off the field,” said Lady Buffs coach Kelleya Cox. “A true leader by example, Allison is everything you want in a student athlete.”

The McAlester senior credits the influences from home to give her all every day.

“My dad (Justin Bond) has inspired me to become the person I am today,” said Allison, who wears the number-4 jersey just like her dad wore while playing high school baseball for the Buffaloes and later as head coach. “He’s the type of person that works tirelessly to get the job done right and has taught me to keep grinding even when no one is watching.”

This year’s senior class president and Student Council member, Allison confirms she has definite plans for the future while the ever-present words of her father’s advice ring loud and clear.

“I am planning on attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University to become a pharmacist,” Bond said with confidence. “My dad has always said growing up ‘it’s a quick trip from the penthouse to the outhouse’ and ‘there is always a bigger bully around the block’. I have lived my life remembering his advice. What this means is that I can never get complacent with where I am in life. There will always be someone working just as hard or harder than you. Remembering this helps me remain dedicated and diligent to anything I do whether it be school or sports.”