Some athletes discover their confidence in a single moment, and for Okmulgee sophomore Kyndal Smith, that spark came the instant a three-pointer dropped through the net against Catoosa. “Last year, we played against Catoosa. I hit the first 3 of the game—this is my favorite moment because after, I gained more confidence on the court,” she said. That shot didn’t just give Okmulgee an early lead. It launched the mindset she carries into every practice, every game, and every goal she’s set for herself this season.
Kyndal’s approach is simple but intentional: improve constantly and never stay the same player for long. “Keep getting better after every game, learning from my mistakes, be someone my team can rely on,” she said. “I want to step up in big moments and be more consistent all the way around.” That desire shows in how she trains, prepares, and plays multiple roles on the court. “I mainly play small forward, shooting guard, but sometimes I play point guard,” she said.
While she continues sharpening her own game, Kyndal also credits the environment around her. “It’s been really good; we always encourage each other during practice. We stay positive even when things get tough, but we still have our ups and downs,” she said.
Defensively, she prides herself on her instincts. “I pay attention to where their next passes might go. I’m good at reading that and figuring out which side is their weak side,” she said.
Kyndal believes that when Okmulgee is energized, the Lady Bulldogs are dangerous. “Our energy—I feel like when we’re confident, it’s hard to slow us down,” she said. And their purpose is clear: “Our goal is to show that Okmulgee Lady Bulldogs can be something. And that we’re pushing each other and putting in work at practice so that our hard work shows in the game.”
She stays game-ready by taking care of her body and her mindset. “I make sure I stay hydrated, stretch a lot, and stay loose,” she said. And her advice to younger athletes mirrors the way she competes: “Be confident, be aggressive, and don’t overthink. Play hard and let everything else come naturally.”
Kyndal wants her legacy to be simple but strong. “I want people to remember me as someone who worked hard and led by example,” she said. And as a sophomore with big goals beyond sports, she already has a clear picture of her future. “I play basketball and I’m also in track and field. After high school, I want to get into real estate and play the sports I love.”
