By Mike Moguin
Faith and family are two principles that drive Joplin High School athlete Scarlett Parker in her performance for both the girls’ volleyball and girls’ soccer teams.
A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Parker, looks to her older sister, also a follower of Jesus, as her ultimate inspiration. “Because she demonstrates the life of a Christian woman as well as being a loyal friend and a hardworking person,” she said.
Another sister, her twin, Violett, plays with her on the Eagles’ team and leaves an everlasting impression.
“She pushes me through the hard practices and encourages me no matter the outcome of the game,” Scarlett Parker said.
Her dad, she said, has given her the best advice that she has ever been given. “He said, ‘Your athletic performance doesn’t define you as a person,’” Parker said.
An accomplishment in volleyball for Parker is serving 12 points in a row during a game.
I believe that through playing volleyball, it has taught me to push through adversity and learn how to work with people for an ultimate goal,” she said.
Parker’s favorite teacher is her history teacher from last year, her sophomore year, “Because she has such a big heart for her students.”
In Scarlett’s opinion, “Representing your school as an athlete shows determination and represents leadership,” she said.
Outside of volleyball and soccer, Scarlett Parker is involved in the Joplin business club and peer buddies.
“I would like to thank my whole family for showing up for me countless amounts of times through the wins and losses,” she said.
