Grove’s Braylee Carnes
Injuries are inevitable in sports, but few have persevered through as many as Grove High School’s Braylee Carnes.
In fifth grade, she battled Osgood-Schlatters. In seventh grade, she snapped a finger during a softball tournament. In eighth grade, she broke her tibia during a wrestling match. Those, mixed with foot issues and heart complications, haven’t stopped her from carving unique success in her early career. Only a sophomore, Carnes is already one of the best players in northeast Oklahoma. She’s a two-time USSSA softball national champion and a focal point for the Ridgerunners.
“When you’re injured and not able to do what you love, it can definitely get you super down,” said Carnes, who also participates in cheer and stunt. “My faith has guided me through hard periods of my life and career by giving my strength, hope and a sense of purpose that myself and others are called to do great things in life.”
Carnes’ resounding faith in God, unbreakable attitude, friendships and family have anchored Carnes to her purpose. Her father, Matt, played baseball at the University of Arkansas and was drafted by the Minnesota Twins. Among other goals, Carnes wants to follow in her dad’s footsteps and play for the Razorbacks.
“Growing up, I fell in love more and more with this sport every single day, and seeing all of the accomplishments my dad has made and all of the awesome things he has experienced has inspired me so much,” Carnes said. “He has coached me almost my whole life and I can say that he has never yelled at me or made me feel less-than for making a mistake. He is definitely one of my biggest inspirations, and I hope one day I get to do all of the things he did and more!”
Carnes, a math club, Spanish club, interact club and Character Counts participant, plans to major in biochemistry in college. Her long-term goals include becoming an orthodontist, owning her own practice, bringing others closer to Jesus and even learning Spanish.
