Senior Q&A: Shaye Rowe’s versatility helped lead Mustang to district, regional titles in 2023

Fall Sports, Senior Q&A, Softball

Trey Hunter

November 16, 2023
Shaye Rowe (Sr.) poses for a photo prior to the 2023 season. Rowe, a Rose State-signee, hit .337 with a .400 on-base percentage this fall. She also stole seven bases and was selected as All-District Honorable Mention. (Photo by Rebecca Pegram)

Shaye Rowe always wanted to make an impact for the Mustang Broncos and in 2023, she did just that.

Rowe helped lead the Broncos to district and regional championships this fall and a spot in the 2023 Class 6A State Tournament in Shawnee. She hit .373 with a .400 on-base percentage, racking up 25 hits with seven stolen bases. She finished the season with a .969 fielding percentage.

Rowe was selected as All-District Honorable Mention following the season and has since signed her letter of intent to play for Rose State College next year.

But what about her 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 are your favorite hobbies outside of softball?

I like going outside to play basketball with my brother and having sleepovers with all of my siblings. I like also like watch shows with my dad like “The Walking Dead,” “Star Wars,” or basketball.

Q: What are your favorite moments playing softball?

My favorite moments for Mustang have been all of our close games and epic comebacks. Another one of my favorite moments would be before I moved to Mustang in 2018. I played for the Bullets, a travel team, and the last tournament I played for them we made the championship after playing four games in a row with one pitcher in the freezing rain. Those girls were there from the beginning playing recreational ball and then stayed together as a travel team. They are the reason I started to love the game.

Q: What are the best aspects about playing softball for Mustang?

Being able to see my hard work pay off and feeling like the whole group is really trying to win it all. My past years on varsity weren’t horrible. I know my role was to bring energy and to be ready to run, but still at the end of the day I felt like I didn’t really do much. This season I felt how I always wanted to – like one of the pieces of the puzzle. I wanted to be able to say we won with me actually contributing.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete or biggest sports hero?

There are too many great athletes out there to say just one.

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?

I will say the Raiders because my dad and grandpa are big fans. The Lakers in basketball and the Dodgers in baseball.

Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?

It would have to be my dad. He didn’t have much support growing up, but he still makes sure our family has a great life. My parents come to every game and given me a fulfilling childhood. I appreciate everything they have done for me and I love them both.

Q: Favorite breakfast cereal?

Fruity Pebbles and Fruit Loops.

Q: Favorite movie and TV show?

My favorite movie is “Star Wars” and my favorite TV shows are “The Walking Dead,” “Violeta,” “The Vampire Diaries,” and any “Star Wars” spinoff.

Q: Favorite music artist?

Early 2000s R&B, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, The Weekend, and Keyshia Cole.

Q: Favorite ice cream flavor?

Chocolate.

Q: What are your plans after high school? College? If so, what are you wanting to study?

My plans are to attend Rose State College and get a degree in dental hygiene.

Q: What is a career path you have in mind after school and sports?

I am going to Rose State College to play softball and to study dental hygiene. I love the atmosphere and that sense of home with the Rose State softball program and I have always been interested in working in the dental field.

Q: Do you have any siblings? Do they play sports?

I have three siblings. Sadie is 16 years old and is the top of her class for academics. Sean Jr. is 10 and plays football, soccer, and basketball. Sophia is 6 and plays soccer, softball, and basketball.

Q: Did your parents play sports in high school or college?

Both of my parents played basketball in high school.

Q: What sports did you grow up playing?

I played basketball, soccer, and softball and participated in cheer, dance, and gymnastics as well.

Q: Are you originally from Oklahoma? Have you lived or grown up in Mustang your entire life?

I am in a military family. We have been to North Dakota, Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. We lived in Missouri for most of my life and moved to Oklahoma in 2019.

Q: Do you play any other sports for Mustang?

During my freshman year I played basketball, softball, and ran track. During my sophomore year I played softball and ran rack. During my junior year I played softball, both fast pitch and slow pitch, and ran track. This year I plan on doing all three again.

Q: Are you committed to play anywhere in college?

I am committed to play softball for Rose State College in Midwest City.

Q: Where is a place you have always wanted to visit?

I have always wanted to go to Hawaii. My grandma lives there and I have never seen the ocean.

Q: What is the best aspect of playing for Lacy Darity and the Mustang coaching staff?

They will always give you 100 percent of their effort and that shows us how much they care about us and the game. They are amazing. Coach Simmions has made a big impact on me this year, especially with confidence. She always finds ways to help me see the positives in everything.

Q: What are some of the best aspects of running with this group of seniors? What is your favorite memory?

This group of seniors is probably the closest overall in the last few years. We find ways to bring the team together and encourage everyone. The best memory would be slow pitch state when we all felt like we were the team to beat.

Published by trey hunter

Trey Hunter is the owner and publisher of the Mustang Sports Review. He graduated from Mustang High School in 2006 before graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma with a journalism degree in 2011. He has covered Mustang sports for multiple publications as well as high school sports and professional basketball for other outlets. Contact Trey for story ideas or reach out with information. PHONE: (405) 659-9898 EMAIL: TreyHunter1987@gmail.com

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