By Derrick Smith

There are people that play a big role in each of our lives and help shape us into the person we become. These role models can be someone famous or someone you see each and every day. Hunter Bayless’ biggest role model is someone she is close to.
“My dad, Bryan, has made a huge impact on my life,” she said. “He has always pushed me to do my best and he has taught me to work hard at everything I do, no matter what. I definitely would not be the person I am today without him.”

Hunter is a senior at Weatherford High School, where she is a multi-sport athlete. On the softball field, she plays second base, she is a shooting guard on the hardwood, and she competes in the pole vault as a member of the track team. She is not a stranger to sports as she began playing basketball and softball when she was eight years old, joining the track team came a little later.
She says that becoming the athlete she is today has been more than just showing up and playing. There is a lot of preparation that goes into it.
“Practice is important,” Bayless said. “But you also have to be willing to put in the extra time outside of practice. That is what separates the good athletes from the great ones.”
Hunter has made some great memories over her sports career. Some were personal achievements and others were successful team moments. She says that her favorite moment was something she was able to enjoy with her teammates.
“My highlight moment happened last season,” she said. “Our basketball team made it to the state tournament and we were able to play in the Big House. It was an awesome experience and one that I will not forget.”
Along with playing sports, Hunter is also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Leadership Lab, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the youth group at Weatherford First Baptist church.