Pride in her Choctaw heritage shapes everything Hartshorne junior Jolea Jiles does, from the classroom to the softball field. “I am a proud member of the Choctaw Nation, and my heritage is an important part of who I am,” Jiles said. “My Choctaw background reminds me to work hard and represent my tribe in a positive way.”
She says being Choctaw keeps her grounded in something bigger than herself. “Being Choctaw means carrying pride in where I come from and honoring the generations before me,” she said. “I see it as being part of something bigger than myself and representing my tribe with pride in everything I do, whether it’s in school, sports, or my community.” That connection has opened doors. “Last year as a freshman, I was able to go to Washington DC and New York City, all sponsored for by the Choctaws,” Jiles said.
Her heritage also guides how she treats teammates and classmates. “My Choctaw heritage has taught me the importance of community and supporting one another,” she said. “I believe success is stronger when everyone works together and lifts each other up.” Core values show up in her approach to softball and school. “Values like perseverance, respect, and community are very important in Choctaw culture,” Jiles said. “As a student-athlete, I apply those values by pushing myself to work hard, respecting my coaches and teammates, and always trying to represent my school and tribe in a positive way.”
Life in a small town has strengthened those bonds. “I love living in a small town. No matter where I go, I know someone,” she said. “My family, friends, and community have always supported me in both academics and athletics.” Sports have been there from the beginning. “I have two older brothers, so I was drug to all their ballgames since I could crawl,” Jiles said. “I’ve had a ball in my hand since then. I can’t and don’t want to imagine my life not on that field.”
Tradition keeps her rooted. “One of the things I value most is the way Choctaw traditions bring people together and remind us of our history and identity,” Jiles said. She hopes younger students see what is possible. “Yes, I do feel a sense of responsibility to be a positive role model,” she said. “As a representative of the Choctaw Nation, I want younger students to see that they can succeed in school, sports, and life.” Hartshorne has given her a platform to grow. “Attending school in Hartshorne, Oklahoma has helped shape who I am,” Jiles said. “The support from teachers, coaches, and classmates has helped me develop confidence, leadership skills, and a strong work ethic.” Looking ahead, she wants to keep giving back. “I am proud to be a part of the Choctaw Nation, and I want to represent my heritage in a positive way throughout my athletic journey,” she said.
Her future plans center on the next generation. “After high school, I plan to attend college and pursue a degree in education so I can become an elementary school teacher,” Jiles said. “As a proud member of the Choctaw Nation, I also hope to inspire students to be proud of who they are and where they come from.”
