Broken Arrow junior Jasper Reid has learned that the best way to handle adversity is to let go and move on. A center fielder who also pitches for the Tigers, Reid said baseball has shaped the way he responds to challenges on and off the field.

“If one bad thing happens, just get rid of it and move on to the next part, because I will never be better if I stay in the past,” Reid said. That mindset helped him last season as he helped lead Broken Arrow to a state tournament appearance, an accomplishment he calls one of his proudest memories in the sport.

Reid said he takes representing Broken Arrow seriously because it is the community that raised him. “I can finally give back to the town I grew up in, and I can get my name out there,” he said. He added that when things are not going well, he reminds himself to stay positive and “leave it to God.”

In the classroom, Reid points to his eighth-grade science teacher, Ms. Herring, as a major influence. He said she taught him how to have grit, to never fall back and to always push forward. At home, his dad sets the standard for work ethic and sacrifices. Reid said his father often comes home tired or hurting from work but still makes time for his family.

On the field, former Broken Arrow senior Danny Turnham took Reid under his wing when Reid was a freshman, becoming “like my older brother through the year.” Reid also credited coach Ryan Mac for being a steady voice whenever he is in a slump. “When I need someone to talk to, he’s always there to listen,” Reid said. “He’s helped me so much.”

Reid models his game and demeanor after Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout. He said he looks up to Trout because of the way the veteran outfielder carries himself.