Incoming freshman Josie McConnell is already making a name for herself at Elk City High School as a standout multi-sport athlete. Josie competes in both softball and tennis, showcasing impressive skill and dedication well beyond her years. On the diamond, she holds down the infield at shortstop, while on the court, she primarily plays singles, where her grit and determination are evident with every match.
Motivated by the strong, positive, and competitive atmosphere created by her coaches and teammates, Josie thrives in environments that push her to grow both as an athlete and a person. Her biggest inspiration is her brother, Wyatt McConnell, whose work ethic and humility have set a powerful example for her to follow. “He’s shown me that if you stay humble and keep grinding, it pays off,” she says.
Off the field, Josie credits teacher Shelia Sutton for having a lasting impact on her life. “She taught me life lessons that will stay with me for a long time,” Josie shares. Her success in athletics hasn’t come easily—it’s the result of countless hours of strength training, extra practice, and unwavering support from her family, teammates, and friends.
Despite her young age, Josie has already experienced one of the highest honors for a student-athlete: representing Elk City Schools. “It’s a huge honor to have the opportunity to represent Elk City while playing the sports I love and enjoy,” she says proudly.
Josie stays heavily involved on campus and in her community, participating in FFA, FCA, Student Council, Yearbook, and her Church of Christ youth group. She manages to balance her demanding schedule through strong time management and an internal drive to succeed in everything she does.
A fan of tennis star Coco Gauff, Josie admires her fearless approach to competition—something Josie herself displays on every field and court she steps on. With her strong foundation and relentless work ethic, the future is bright for this rising Elk City Elks athlete.
