Jera Moler, an Elk City High School senior and Rose State College commit, knows softball is a game of failure. She knows even better that it’s a game of reaction.

“You have to learn how to let go of a mistake, keep your head up and move on,” Moler said. “There are going to be times when you feel anxious or stressed on the field, but I always take a moment to reset. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”

Earlier this season, Moler and her Elkettes teammates played Yukon. With bases loaded and two outs on the board, it was Moler’s turn to bat.

“I took a moment to clear my head before my at-bat,” Moler said. “I hit a three-run double that bounced off the fence. If you practice under pressure, then it’ll make the games a lot less stressful.”

Moler’s calm demeanor makes her teammates gravitate towards her leadership.

“Ella is our Senior shortstop who has already put together a wonderful career,” ECHS head coach Kaleb Murray said. “She is a career .450 hitter and one of the best shortstops around. She brings unlimited energy and leadership to our team and is a main piece to our success for this coming year.”

“I want to set examples for the younger girls who watch me play, and I want to be someone they can look up to and learn from,” Moler said. “I want to continue to get better every day.”

Moler, who also participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, started playing T-Ball at 4 years old.

“I instantly fell in love with the game,” Moler said. “My dad was my coach at the time, and we continued to practice softball as I got older. Softball taught me so many life lessons along the way and quickly became my passion.”

In her last ride with the Elkettes, Moler wants to lead her team to a district championship and state tournament appearance before she heads to Midwest City to continue her athletic career.

“The [RSC] campus was really nice, and I just loved the environment of practice,” Moler said. “I had the opportunity to meet all the girls and the coaches, and everyone was so kind and encouraging!”