Jakorian Halstied’s coaches say he picked up the sport “faster than probably anyone” they had ever seen before.

“Jakorian, as a junior, showed up at the tennis courts last year after basketball,” his coach said, “and he had never played before. He ended up one of our top six players and played No. 2 singles most of the year.”

Halstied has had as busy of a senior year as anybody. He played safety for the Tigers in the fall, then shooting guard in the winter and will soon finish the spring with track and tennis. No matter the sport, he plays inspired.

“What motivates me is competition and disrespect,” Halstied said.

Halstied considers his sisters his greatest influence in life. But one teacher has had particular impact in the class room.

“Mrs. Talitha Howell has had the biggest impact on my life as a teacher,” Halstied said. “She’s the most wonderful teacher in the world! I admire the way she can make someone smile at their lowest times in life.”

The opportunity to play high school sports has afforded Halstied a unique experience during his part 4 years at AHS.

“The highlight moment of my career so far has been catching the game-winning touchdown in overtime against Noble,” Halstied said. “An opponent I enjoyed beating has to be Lawton Mac, and it always feels good going head-to-head with them.”

But Halstied knows you’re only as good as your competition allows, and you compete against your teammates in practice more than opposing teams on Friday nights. He considers Kendre Grant one of his favorite teammates for that very reason.

“He always gives me a challenge when competing 1-on-1,” Halstied said, “[and] Chrishawn Booker just because of how humble he is.”

Whether he’s on the field, on the court or on the track, Ardmore, Oklahoma is one of his greatest motivations.

“It means a lot represented where you come from,” Halstied said.