Anna Southerland
Sapulpa High School
Sapulpa High School junior Anna Southerland loves doing two things; playing softball and being part of the FFA chapter at school.
Southerland was in the eighth grade when she first joined FFA.
“My freshman year I was focused more on softball and made the varsity team as a freshman. I joined back my sophomore year in an Agriculture communication class. My mom encouraged me to join to see if I liked it and one of my best friends Rebyl also encouraged me to get into land judging. With doing that I found out most of my family had also been involved as well,” said Southerland.
As a member of the Land Judging Team, Southerland and her classmates enjoy the time they get to spend together.
“My favorite thing about FFA is the people you meet and the memories you make,” said Southerland.
Also involved in National Honor Society and ETS, softball is her first love and Southerland is looking forward to getting back on the field with her teammates.
“My favorite thing about the softball program is the hard work that you put in is always helps you in the long run. Softball has been the biggest part of my life and has always given me so many wonderful opportunities. Another thing I love about the softball program is all the lifelong friends I have made while playing. The coaches may be hard on you, but they still care about you and your well-being,” said Southerland.
Southerland said the team is more like family. One former player made a big impact on her playing career.
“A person who influences me the most is Ta’Kyah Jamerson she had played for Sapulpa Softball and was a graduate of 2022 and is now volunteering with the team. She’s my biggest influence because she is someone who doesn’t give up and always working no matter who is watching. She also has taught me to have the same mindset. She’s a positive person and when she’s on the field she is locked in and ready to play,” said Southerland.
After high school, Southerland is looking forward to seeing where softball or FFA will take her. Eventually she would like to pursue a degree in speech pathology.
