Chelsi Oxendine is a co-captain of the Red Springs High School girls basketball team and the student body president, among other pursuits. Photo by Kaleb Roedel | The Robesonian
It’s a tough spot for a senior co-captain to be in, yet Oxendine, who injured her knee last week, is smiling as she watches her girls basketball teammates run up and down the court. Despite being sidelined, the senior is very much part of practice — leading, motivating and helping her fellow Red Devils.
“We only have three seniors and I’m one of those who helps keep us together,” Oxendine said. “We’re just trying to get that bond and try to get all the underclassmen to know that it takes a bond in and out of school to get a good basketball team together.”
Oxendine does the same for Red Springs’ student body, serving as the class president.
Her unwavering leadership qualities and outstanding production as a student-athlete has earned Oxendine The Robesonian/Mountaire Farms Scholar Athlete of the Month for December. The program’s mission is to highlight male and female student-athletes within Robeson County who excel on the field, in the classroom and in their local community.
“Being the Scholar Athlete means that I work hard and play hard and stay focused,” said Oxendine, a three-sport athlete — basketball, volleyball and softball — who maintains a 4.359 weighted GPA. “My parents, they always said academics will get you somewhere … sports might.”
Chelsi Oxendine is the daughter of Teresa Oxendine and the late Alvin Scott Oxendine, who passed away last March. Chelsi accredited her parents for helping her become the student-athlete and person she is today.
Also playing key roles in her life are coaches and teachers like Red Springs girls basketball coach and math teacher Katasha Oxendine who has known Chelsi since she was in 7th grade.
“I have come to appreciate her many fine qualities as I’ve watched her grow as a player, leader and young lady,” Katasha said.
This past fall during volleyball season, Chelsi, a captain, was named to the Three Rivers Conference first team. In the spring, Chelsi will take to the diamond where she’ll lead the Red Springs softball team.
“Sports keep me active,” Chelsi said. “Keeps me out of trouble. That’s what sports are for — to keep you out of trouble. That’s why more kids should become involved.”
Additionally, Chelsi, who grew up on a farm where her late father raised horses, is involved with caring for animals. She wants to become and Veterinarian and hopes to attend North Carolina State University in Raleigh next fall.
Until then, Chelsi continues to lead her classmates and teammates at Red Springs.
“She is very dependable,” Katasha said. “I can depend on her to get practice started and get her teammates motivated to do what they need to do.”
Even when sidelined with a knee injury.
From the bench, undoubtedly cheering and instructing, Chelis recently watched her teammates capture third place at the Robeson County Shootout on Saturday with a 49-38 win over Fairmont.
Reach Sports editor Kaleb Roedel at 910-272-6111 or kroedel@heartlandpublications.com
Post a Comment
