By Derrick Smith

Throughout most of our lives, we are impacted and influenced by people we know. They help guide us in the right direction. Faith Carpenter says that she has had many people that have helped her along the way. 

“I have been blessed to have many positive role models in my life,” she said. “They are present in my family, church, and my coaches. However, one of my biggest role models was my power tumbling and trampoline coach, Candi Smithson. She taught me how to take criticism without taking it personally. This has helped me through all aspects of my life. When a person I trust corrects or criticizes me, I try to fix the problem without questioning. I’ve learned that with my coaches, criticism is the best tool for my success.”

Carpenter is a sophomore at Amber-Pocasset High School, where she is a multi-sport athlete. She is an outfielder on the softball team as well as playing guard on the basketball squad. She began playing basketball five years ago and softball three years ago. 

With a late start in playing competitive sports, Faith says the steps to being successful are still the same.

“I started both softball and basketball later than many of my peers,” she said. “The biggest key for my success has been trusting the process. I have to take the instructions my coaches give me then put extra time into getting it right.”

As a student, she has sat through many classes. But for Carpenter, there is one choice when it comes to her favorite teacher. 

“My fourth-grade teacher, Barbara Mosier, is my favorite,” she said. “She taught me the importance of goals. I didn’t enjoy reading at all when I started her class. Each night she would set a goal for me of how many pages to read. Throughout the year she began to increase the number of pages, and I found myself excited to read and reach my goal. I have carried this skill into my life through not only sports but also academics. I set small goals for myself and strive to achieve them each time.”

Faith is also involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and attends the youth group at First Baptist Pocasset.