Noble's Haelee Hudson – Driven Athlete of the Month Presented by Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Norman

By Derrick Smith

Overcoming an injury as an athlete can be one of the more difficult things to do. Healing and rehabilitating the body, getting strength back, and the fear of re-injury can be tough to deal with as well. For Haelee Hudson, not only did she overcome the injury, she was also able to reach a milestone when she returned to the court.

Hudson is a senior at Noble High School and a guard on the Lady Bears basketball team. In April of this year, she tore her ACL in her left knee, taking her off of the practice court for the spring and summer. She was able to make her return this season, leading her team to a 3-2 record and also a number eighteen ranking in Class 5A.

On December 11, during a game against El Reno, Hudson sunk a basket that put her over 1,000 points for her career.

“It was the greatest feeling in the whole world, seeing everyone clapping for me and holding up signs and just seeing everyone’s support, and I have never been more proud of myself than I was at that moment because that was one of my biggest goals that I wanted to reach before my high school career was over and I got it only 4 games into my senior year.”

During her career, Haelee has had a lot of influences but there are two that stand out.

“My dad, Chad Hudson, and my AAU coach, Tony Cooper are definitely my two biggest influences,” she said. “They have taught me most of everything I know and I would not be the player I am today without them. They push me to do my absolute best in everything I do on and off the court.”

Hudson says that in order to be a good player on the court, you have to put in the work off the court.

“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication for sure,” she said. “I have spent so many hours in the gym trying to get better and perfect everything that I can. Also, taking good criticism from my dad about things I should do better has helped a lot.”

Off the court, Hudson says that she has had a lot of great teachers, but there is one that stands out.

“Coach Evan Boren was my history teacher my junior year,” she stated. “He taught me to never let someone tell me that I can’t do something. He taught me I can do anything I set my mind to and that it is always okay to have your own opinion about something and to always respect everyone else’s opinion, even if you disagree with them.”

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