By Derrick Smith

There are things that happen during an athlete’s career that they will not ever forget. Whether it is a personal achievement or team success, these moments are special, and they will be remembered by the athlete for quite some time. 

Trace Thomason is a senior at Indiahoma High School where he is a member of the basketball and golf teams. He says that he has had some memorable moments during his career, but there are a couple that he has enjoyed the most. 

“I have had some really good moments in both of my sports,” Thomason said. “On the basketball court, I hit a buzzer-beater to send our team to the area tournament during my junior season. On the golf team, I would say making it to state in back-to-back years was my favorite.”

Throughout his life, Trace has had people that have made an impact on him both as a person and as an athlete. But he says that there are two people that have always been in his corner and been his support.

“My mom and dad are the biggest influences on my life,” he said. “They push me to be the best that I can be every day.”

And Trace follows that advice from his parents and has worked hard to get where he is.

“I have put in a lot of practice,” he said. “It also takes a really good work ethic, because if you don’t keep yourself accountable, you won’t be able to succeed. I always keep myself motivated by continually telling myself that I can always be better.”

One of Trace’s teachers at Indiahoma, Samantha Birgenheier, says that Trace is a great kid and an outstanding example to other students.

“I have had the pleasure of having Trace in class for the past six years, seeing him make profound contributions both in and out of the classroom,” she said. “I can say with confidence that Trace is one of the most caring and driven students I’ve taught in my 20 years at Indiahoma. His personal strengths are as impressive as his intellectual accomplishments. He is an active outgoing presence in class with a great sense of humor and is the perfect person to get a project rolling. Trace is just the type of driven student that inspires others to do their best. There are no limits to his growth and achievements in college and beyond.”