Eden Anderson was one of the state’s top players during the 2023 fall season.
The senior third baseman helped power the Mustang Broncos to 23 wins, district and regional titles, and a spot in the Class 6A State Tournament. She was rewarded last week by being named the District 4 Player of the Year with potential All-State honors to come.
Anderson hit .523 during the regular season with a team-high nine home runs, 18 doubles, and 38 RBI. She also led the team in on-base percentage, slugging, and OPS.
But what about her favorite movie? Who does she listen to when getting hyped for games? What is her favorite aspect about being a Bronco?
Check out the answers to these questions and more below!
Q: What is your favorite hobby outside of softball?
I like to hang out with my family and friends. I don’t have much time, so I try to make the most of it whenever I can.
Q: What is your favorite moment playing softball?
Winning the slow pitch state championship my junior year. It was just all one big family playing together and it was so much fun.
Q: What is the best aspect about being a Mustang softball player?
The family aspect. I love the community feel that comes with Mustang softball and the environment.
Eden Anderson (Sr.) drives a pitch to left field during a game at the Mustang Softball Complex this fall. Anderson led the Broncos in batting average, home runs, doubles, RBI, and more, earning her the Class 6A District 4 Player of the Year award. (Photo by Shelly Holinsworth / Freelance Action Photography)
Q: What is your favorite sports team?
The Oklahoma State Cowboys and Cowgirls.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?
My dad. He never fails to push me to my limits and he makes me a better player and person. He always makes me work even when I don’t want to and he never fails to be by my side.
Q: Favorite breakfast cereal?
Fruity Pebbles.
Q: Favorite movie and TV show?
Movie: “Mamma Mia!”
Q: Favorite music artist?
Luke Combs.
Q: Favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint Chocolate Chip.
Q: What are your plans after high school? College? If so, what are you wanting to study?
I am going to Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma City on a softball scholarship. I will be studying elementary education. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher.
Q: What is a career path you have in mind after school and sports?
I want to be a sixth grade teacher. I love kids, teaching, and history.
Q: Do you have any siblings? Do they play sports?
I have a 14-year-old brother – James. He plays football, baseball, and wrestles.
Q: Did your parents play sports in high school or college?
My dad played high school sports at Choctaw and my mom was a competitive weight lifter.
Q: What sports did you grow up playing?
Softball and basketball.
Q: Are you originally from Oklahoma? Have you lived or grown up in Mustang your entire life?
I have grown up in Mustang.
Q: Are you committed to play somewhere in college? If so, where? If not, what schools do you have in mind or have interest in?
I am committed Southern Nazarene University on a softball scholarship.
Q: Where is a place you have always wanted to visit?
Greece because my favorite movie is “Mamma Mia!” and it was filmed there.
Q: Who would you vote for as best athlete at MHS – boys and girls?
Girls: Lexy Kierstead. She is super fast and strong and she is just super athletic all the way around. Boys: L.B. Hayes.
Q: What is your favorite memory playing for the Broncos?
My favorite memory was Senior Night. It was just a very special night. I had the best hitting night of my career going 3-for-3 with three home runs. I loved being on the field that night, especially with all of my teammates. In the last inning coach Darity took us all off the field at the same time. The feeling was amazing. It was a great night that I will never forget. It felt like a dream.
Q: What is the best aspect of playing for coach Lacy Darity and the Mustang coaching staff?
Playing for coach Darity has been a blessing. Not many people get the same coach all four years of high school like we did and I am super grateful for that. She has always pushed me to be the best player I can and she never lets you slack off. She treats everybody the same and the staff makes you work hard every day. She loves us and cares for us a lot and I’m super blessed to call her my coach.
Q: What are some of the best aspects of playing with this group of seniors?
The best aspect of playing with this group is that we are all very close. Every single one of them is like my sister. I’ve played with some of them since I was 10 years old. And others I grew to know during high school. The friendships we’ve made with each other are life long and I will always think of them as my best friends.
