Introducing our WXXV Student Athlete of the Week: Ocean Springs tri-athlete Farrah James
The strength of a woman isn’t defined by how much she can lift, how well she can balance multiple responsibilities, or how long she can keep a smile on her face, but if that was all it took, you would see this Ocean Springs tri-athlete’s face right next to that definition. Introducing our wxxv student athlete of the week, Farrah James.
Ocean Springs senior Farrah James has been lacing up her softball cleats since the early age of four years old. She grew up watching her older sister fall in love with the diamond, and she too wanted to do the same.Not only does James enjoy playing the sport, she says her favorite part about it is the community it has given her.
“It’s mainly the environment and the love for the sport, and the girls on the team. we come together like a family and developing those bonds with these people is something you don’t want to lose and on the field it all comes together,” said James.
James’ quick hands, powerful arm, and speed isn’t the only thing she inherited from her sister. She also followed in her footsteps that led to the Ocean Springs weight room, and Greyhound powerlifting Coach Wade Vick wasn’t letting her out of his sight.
“I went in there and Coach Vick was already hype because I’m Samya James’ little sister and I came in there and pulled a lot of weight and he was like “Oh yeah, I want you until you graduate.” I really like the environment there and all the people. It has been really fun,” said James.
Not only has the sport increased her physical strength, but it has also helped her mentally. Because of powerlifting, James now feels more confident than ever.
“I feel big overall,” Farrah said laughing. “It’s just so much fun and being a woman in the sport, you don’t really see it often because we’re women, so it’s just fun and I like the way it makes me stronger. I feel like anyone can do the sport no matter how much you weigh or how much you think you can or can’t lift because at the end of the day it’s about what makes you feel good about your sport and what you want to do.”
After the weekend she just had, she should definitley feel good. Not only did the Ocean Springs girls team become the 2024 region 4 through 7A champions, James was also awarded the region 4 through 7A best light weight lifter at the meet! With personal records of a 365 pound squat, 165 pound bench, and a 485 deadlift, you’d think her bar was fully loaded, but instead she decides to add another plate from the rack and join the track team her senior year.
“I’ve always wanted to, but this year many people have convinced me to just do it because it’s my last year and it’s a ‘why not?’ type of thing.”
That type of energy is exactly what coaches want to hear, and because of that, they are willing to work with her and help her navigate life with three sports.
“Communication between the coaches and myself, and they have to communicate with each other to see when I can make it to practice or if I have to miss a game or a meet or something. I’m grateful that my coaches are willing to take time and manage between me and my different sports,” said James.
After all, it did start with softball, and that’s how she plans on ending it. On December 8th, James officially put pen to paper to join the Jones college softball team.
“I like the campus and the environment there. I’ve been there many times and the coaches there are incredible, and I like the support that they talked about and the different classes I can take to get the major that I want to,” said James.
After being a Bobcat, James dreams of playing college at the Division one level, while also getting a degree in either industrial or structural engineering.
