Shylie Mason’s softball journey has been shaped by a lifelong connection to sports, with her father being a coach. “I’m a senior at McAlester High School, and I have played softball for McAlester Athletics for five years,” she said. Having grown up around sports, she naturally gravitated toward the game from an early age. “My dad has been a coach for my whole life, and I was around sports 24/7, so I just picked up a ball and started playing,” Shylie explained, a testament to her deep-rooted love for the sport.

As the pitcher for McAlester, Shylie understands the weight of her role. To prepare, she keeps “positive vibes on the bus before the game” and locks in focus the moment she steps off. This approach keeps her grounded, ensuring she is ready to lead her team both mentally and physically.

The 2024 season holds special significance for Shylie. Her goals extend beyond wins and losses; she is focused on the long-term success of the program. “When rebuilding, you have to start from the ground up, and I believe this team has the power to do it,” she emphasized, illustrating her commitment to leaving a lasting impact on the program.

Overcoming adversity has been part of Shylie’s journey. A fractured shin sidelined her during the offseason, but through perseverance and physical therapy, she pushed herself to return stronger. “I overcame this obstacle with physical therapy and continuing to push myself,” she reflected, showcasing her resilience.

One of Shylie’s favorite memories from last season was the energy of her team’s dugout, regardless of the game’s score. “How loud the dugout always stayed no matter the score,” she recalled, highlighting the team spirit that kept everyone motivated.

Looking ahead, Shylie’s future plans include a career in nursing, with ambitions of becoming a nurse practitioner. She also hopes to continue playing softball at the collegiate level. Outside of sports, Shylie enjoys hanging out with friends and her dog Oakley, watching Grey’s Anatomy and relaxing.

With the support of mentors like her pitching coach Shelia Odell and the inspiration of her mom, Shylie’s journey through softball continues to be marked by growth, perseverance and love for the game.