by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Student athletes are encouraged to be versatile and play two or three sports in high school. It is a benefit for each team to field the highest level of athleticism to play at peak performance each game.
Jaysia Tieyah is a 5-7, freshman, position pitcher for Cyril High School, Oklahoma. Her softball team’s record was 28-7 last spring and ranked #5 in Class B.
In basketball, the team is currently 15-3 and ranked #9 in Class A.
“My tribes are Comanche, Kiowa, Prairie Band Potawatomi, Kickapoo, Omaha, and Sioux. I’m from Cyril Oklahoma. My mother is Valerie Blackbird and she is Prairie Band Potawatomi, Omaha, Kickapoo and Sioux. My dad is Jimmy Tieyah and he is Commanche and Kiowa.
“My tribal core values definitely define me as an athlete,” said Jaysia. “We are taught to respect. So I’m always kind and courteous on and off the field. We are taught discipline. So I’m always going the extra mile to reach my goals. To have honor, and to be proud of who we are and where we come from. And always be the best that I can be.”
“My dad Jimmy Tieyah played college basketball at Haskell. We grew up watching him play fastpitch softball.”
“Mike Rutledge was a coach who won nationals with an Arizona team,” said Jaysia. “He has been coaching around 50 years. He showed me how to dress, and represent myself. He also showed me the respect of the game. Mike Rutledge has been a big influence on me ever since I was little. I wouldn’t be who I am or be where I’m at today without Mike’s support of me.”
“Mike always wanted us to be at practice 30 minutes before practice. If one was late we all were late. Mike also required us how to fix our hair and how to dress for games and practices. He required us to always braid our hair for events and never down. We learn how to be respectful by saying: yes sir, no sir, yes ma’am, and no ma’am. He slowed the game down that help me understand fielding and any situation. He was always hard on me but he showed me tough love to make me better. Mike wasn’t like every other coach. Most people walk in on game days carrying their bags while Mike made us walk two-by-two. We always wanted to represent ourselves everywhere we went,” added Jaysia.
“Penny Salazar is a positive influencer because she always been there for me too,” said Jaysia. “She will always tell me that keep my head up when I get frustrated. She was more like a mom to me than a coach. She gave me that mindset to keep playing softball.”
“I’m trying to make it to the next level play college softball,” said Jaysia. “My love for the game started when I was young. Watching my dad play fastpitch growing up to playing catch. Softball came natural to me. Been playing since I was 4 years old. However, in 2016 I felt a pain in my hip. Went to see an orthopedic doctor. That is when I was told I have a slipped disk in my hip. After I had surgery I was out for a whole yr. during that time I had to focus on getting better and to heal fast. Didn’t want to waste time not being in the field. Had to learn how to walk and run all over again. But after I recovered I was back to practicing and getting my strength back in my hip. So I’m striving to be the best regardless of the injury. Always room for improvement.”
“One of my accomplishments was hitting my first home run at the age of 10,” said Jaysia. “Pitching and winning the World Series and finishing in the top 5 at Nationals. Making numerous appearances at the Nationals and being selected as All-State at Nationals. There will be more accomplishments in my future.”
“My advice to the other student athletes is to never give up,” said Jaysia. “Keep your mind focused on the game. Be respectful to all players, coaches and umpires. Always have a positive mindset even if you are losing.”
Photo Credit: Jimmy Tieyah
