Shelby Bolden was a major asset for the Mustang Broncos on their district and regional championship runs this fall.
The senior utility player hit for a .333 average in 2023, driving in five runs while walking twice and stealing two bases. Coach Lacy Darity and her teammates praised Bolden’s leadership and attitude during postseason interviews, crediting her as an integral part of the team’s fourth straight state tournament appearance and its 2023 slow pitch state title.
But what about Bolden’s favorite movie? Who is her biggest inspiration? What has been 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 enjoy going to church events. I have grown up in the church and love to be involved with it.
Q: What is your favorite moment playing softball?
My favorite memory was winning state both in 2021 and last spring. Not very many teams end their season with a win and it is one of the most overwhelmingly amazing feelings.
Q: What is the best aspect about playing softball for Mustang?
The best part of playing for Mustang is that our softball team is extremely close with each other throughout all grades. It is a family and that makes it easier to show up every day.
Q: What is your favorite sports team?
The Bengals for Joe Burrow, LSU, and Oklahoma State.
Shelby Bolden swings at a pitch during a game against Midwest City earlier this year at the Mustang Softball Complex. Bolden hit .333 this fall, helping lead the Broncos to regional and district championships as well as a spot in the Class 6A state tournament. (Photo by Ron Lane / Lane Images)
Q: Who is your favorite athlete?
Joe Burrow.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?
My mom because she is the most selfless person I know. She has built her life around make sure my brother and I always have what we need. Also, my dad is the hardest worker I have ever met.
Q: Favorite breakfast cereal?
Reese’s Puffs.
Q: Favorite movie and TV show?
Movie: “Napoleon Dynamite” & TV Show: “Friends”
Q: Favorite music artist?
Zach Bryan.
Q: Favorite ice cream flavor?
Cappuccino Chunky Chocolate from Braum’s.
Q: What are your plans after high school? College? If so, what are you wanting to study?
I am going into nursing because I love helping people. I plan on getting my associate’s degree in nursing and getting a job, then going back for my bachelor’s. Having an associate’s degree gets you the same pay and job as if you have a bachelor’s. A bachelor’s degree is mainly for managing or specialty nursing.
Q: What is a career path you have in mind after school and sports?
Hopefully I will be going into labor and delivery nursing because bringing life into the world is one of the best gifts God has given us.
Q: Do you have any siblings? Do they play sports?
I have one older brother, Brance. He is 20 years old and currently attends Oklahoma State University. He does not play any sports, but loves roping and anything related to agriculture.
Q: Did your parents play sports in high school or college?
My dad played football and wrestled and my mom ran cross country.
Q: What sports did you grow up playing?
I grew up playing basketball, soccer, and softball. At about 8 years old, I decided softball was the only sport I wanted to play. My parents told me I had to play at least one sport when I was younger. It was no longer a rule as I got older, but I fell in love with it.
Q: Are you originally from Oklahoma? Have you lived or grown up in Mustang your entire life?
I lived in Yukon until I was 4 years old. I have basically lived in Mustang my entire life.
Q: Where is a place you have always wanted to visit?
I have always wanted to visit New Zealand because there are no snakes there.
Q: What is the best aspect of playing for Lacy Darity and the Mustang coaching staff?
They are always holding us accountable by telling us what we are doing right or wrong with different things. They know we are better than our mistakes and continue to remind us of that. They understand that bad days happen and ultimately we overcome it as a team.
Q: What are some of the best aspects of running with this group of seniors? What is your favorite memory?
Our senior class this year is, in my opinion, the closest of all of them. We are all friends and are always encouraging each other. We have each taken on different leadership roles throughout the team. There were a lot of us freshman year, and being the only ones left has made us closer. We all share a love for this program that makes us a family.
