Jaelyn Mascoto has been a key player for the McAlester High School volleyball team since she started playing the sport in sixth grade. She discovered her passion for volleyball through a local camp and hasn’t looked back since. “All my friends started playing the sport and it seemed very fun to me, so I decided to give it a try,” Jaelyn recalled, highlighting the importance of community and friendship in her journey. Now an outside hitter and one of the team captains, Jaelyn embraces her role with positivity and leadership. “I prepare myself by always staying positive and trying to uplift my team when we are down,” she said.

This season, Jaelyn has high hopes for her team. “Our goal for this season is to get top 10 and host regionals at the MAC,” she shared. With a packed schedule of tournaments and practices, Jaelyn and her teammates have been working hard to achieve this goal. “We have been practicing after school till 5:30 on days we do not have games,” she explained, showcasing the dedication required to succeed at the high school level.

For Jaelyn, volleyball is more than just a sport—it’s about building lasting relationships. One of the toughest challenges she’s faced is losing teammates to graduation. “You build such a strong connection with your teammates, and it is sad to not get to play with them in high school once they leave,” she reflected. However, she keeps those bonds close, always pushing forward.

Her mother has been one of Jaelyn’s strongest role models: “I look up to my mother as my role model; she has always helped me to stay confident in myself and to always strive to be the best I can!”

Jaelyn’s proudest achievement? “Making varsity my sophomore year,” she said. Looking ahead, her dreams extend beyond the court. “Where I see myself in five years is graduating from college and going to dental school to become a dentist!” But for now, she’s focused on making the most of her final year at McAlester, supported by her family and community. “It’s always good to have support and loud cheers for when we win points and games,” Jaelyn noted. 

Her advice for younger athletes is simple but powerful: “Stay confident with yourself. Everyone makes mistakes, and you need to stay up and play as hard as you can.”