Success is something that everyone strives for. Whether it is in a job, family, or something else, everyone wants to be their best. The same is true for athletes like Taven Fentress, who knows that achieving success is not something that happens overnight.

“It has taken playing golf every single day,” he said. “Also, I work with my golf coach once a month. My biggest motivation is to get better every day.”

Taven is a senior at Mannford High School. He plays golf and basketball for the Pirates. Fentress is also a member of the National Honor Society and the Safety Schools Committee.

With the work and time that he has invested during his career, Taven has been able to see it pay off.

“I would say that my highlight moment would be making it to the state tournament the past two years,” he said. “And by doing that, playing really well at regionals.”
 There have been people in his corner that have helped Taven become the athlete, student, and person that he is today.

“My biggest role models are my mom, dad, and grandpa,” he said. “They teach me right from wrong and they are great people and work hard every day. My favorite teacher would be Mrs. Lovell for Algebra III and College Algebra. She taught me to not quit and to push for better every single day.”

To be able to compete, Fentress has to work hard on his school work so that he keeps his grades up. He says that dividing his time between athletics and school work is important.

“It takes lots of balance, mostly doing my homework at night before I go to bed,” he said.

When he is playing, Taven knows that he is playing for more than just himself. And for that reason he tries to be his best all the time.
 “It means a lot having mannford on my chest to represent my friends, teachers, and administration,” he said proudly. “I work hard and try to strive for greatness. I try to put a smile on everyone’s face and make everyone happy.”