Briana SittingBull plays tennis for Anadarko High School. She has put in a lot of hard work to become the player that she is now but says that there are other things involved in being successful.

“The work is important, but one key for me has been having a positive mindset,” she said. “That has definitely been important. My mom has also been key. She is my role model because she is so strong and she pushes me and helps me through everything.”

Finishing up her junior year, SittingBull enjoys playing tennis but says getting to know other athletes has also been important.

“I enjoy the teammates that I have,” she said. “We all have our faults in the game but we push each other to be the best we can be. Another fun part for me is making friends wherever we go.”

Laci Tompkins, Anadarko head tennis coach, says that SittingBull is a solid athlete and someone that other athletes can look up to both on and off the court.

“Briana is a great leader,” coach Tompkins said. “She comes early to practice and stays late. She is a junior and I really hope to see her grow this year. She is the number one singles player.”

Playing her sport is big to her, but for Briana, representing her culture and heritage is important to her as well.

“I am Filipino and Native American, enrolled in the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribe of Oklahoma,” she said. “Being Native American, embracing my culture and sharing with others is something that I am honored to do.”