State Bank Financial Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names:

Keith Pugh and Jill Pugh

Siblings: 

Kylah Pugh and Gabe Pugh

Position or events: 

Base for cheer and first baseman for softball

Career highlight:

My first ever touchdown stunt during the home game.

At what age did you start playing your main sport? 

Age 6.

Who introduced you to the sport? 

My sister, Kylah.

Has this always been your favorite sport? 

Yes.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year? 

Understanding the appropriate times to study and when it’s okay to take a break compared to being more of an athlete than a student.

What is your favorite part about this sport? 

Being able to play.

What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long? 

The people I get to meet and the friends I am able to make.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the field/track? 

Positivity and being able to remain hopeful in iffy situations. 

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far? 

Cheering at my first football game.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth?

A sense of pride seeing how I’ve matured both emotionally and academically.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to? 

Deanna Cole, my old JV coach, and LilaMarie Nelson, who has stuck by me through my high school career.

Any hobbies outside of sports? 

Spending time with friends.

Favorite song? 

“Time of Our Lives” by Pitbull and Ne-yo.

Future plans? 

History teacher.