Summer for Owasso High School softball player Marlow Polk does not really start with the school calendar. As she explains it, “Summer starts whenever travel softball starts, because it is my whole summer.” Her days are built around the game, and everything else fits in around it.

Polk splits her time between Owasso and her travel team, Tulsa Elite, and the structure of her weeks shows how committed she is to improving. “My schedule consists of practicing and weightlifting on weekdays and playing on the weekends for Tulsa Elite.” She is “going into 10th grade” and has been “working on my strength,” a focus that supports her development as both a hitter and an outfielder for the Lady Rams. Even with the demands of softball, she keeps one summer habit that helps her stay balanced and conditioned. “One must-do is swimming! I think it’s great exercise and I have fun doing it.”

For Owasso, Polk is trusted in the outfield, where every pitch can turn into a test of focus. “For Owasso, I play outfield. Depending on the time of day, the sun is the hardest part.” Dealing with the sun and the elements is part of her job, and she embraces that challenge as she continues to grow into a larger role on the varsity stage.

Team culture is a big part of what makes softball fun for Polk, and she is quick to highlight the personalities around her. “My loudest teammate is Kambry Holson! She always knows how to uplift others. The one that’s always dirty is Trinity Scott and Kaylee Isam!” Those observations speak to a group that plays hard, supports one another and is not afraid to get on the ground to make a play.

Polk also draws inspiration from someone who has guided her along the way. “Karson Holson has left the biggest impact on me. She wasn’t a teammate, but she’s been, and continues to be a great mentor to me.” That mentorship has helped shape her mindset as she sets ambitious goals with Owasso.

Looking ahead, Polk’s vision for the season is clear and team focused. “I want to achieve a state championship this year.” She loves that “the best part of summer is getting to travel with my teammates to new places to compete against great teams” and is eager for another postseason push. “I want my teammates to know that I’m so excited to play with them again, and I hope we can go back to state.”