High school students can have a variety of role models that they look up to. And while some may be celebrities or professional athletes, others like Kenzli Locke, have people that they look up to that are a little closer to home. 

“My biggest role models are my mom and dad,” Locke said. “They have taught me so much about not just the game but about everyday life and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without them. They have always supported me and my dreams and go above and beyond to help me succeed.”

A senior at Lookeba-Sickles High School, Locke plays softball and basketball for the Panthers. Along with her sports, Kenzli is also involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the National Honor Society, and the Biomedical program.

Throughout her career, Locke has invested a lot of time and effort into becoming the athlete she is today. She says that even on those days when she may not feel like working, she focus’ on pushing through. 

“In order to become successful, it has taken practice, dedication, and honestly hours of failure,” she said. “Failure has taught me some of the greatest lessons that I have taken with me and made myself better because of my competitive spirit and the thought of losing motivates me because I hate losing more than I love winning. People doubting me and trying to prove them wrong is another thing that motivates me a lot.” 

No  matter what sport she is competing in, Kenzli knows that when she puts on the Panther uniform, she is playing for more than just herself.

“It means a lot to me to represent my school and community when I play,” she said. “I have always looked up to people who were older and have always dreamed of being that for younger girls. So playing for them and my community is giving back just a little of what they have done for me. The back of my jersey is who I am but the front of my jersey along with my teammates and all of the fans and little girls who have supported and looked up to me will always be who I play for.”