Traci and I were very good friends. Although it has been a long time since her passing I think about her all of the time. She was smart, funny and beautiful. Thank you for including this section as part of our website.
Tracy and I were around each other alot over the years in basketball and in class. She was a special girl. The passing of her and her family was an unbelievable tragedy. My heart still goes out to her brother Kenny.
My family moved to Broken Arrow from NW Arkansas at the start of my 4th grade year. My dad wanted to get me enrolled in softball and basketball since I played in Rogers, so he signed me up through the community center. My dad met Traci's dad Jim that day and Jim who was coaching a team wanted me on his basketball team. Traci was one of the first girls I met in BA. We played on the same softball and basketball teams for years. Even though we didn't actually go to the same school until 11th grade. She remained a dear friend of mine. I have so many fun and fond memories of her and her family. I remember Mandy lining all of us up before hot softball tournaments and braiding everyone's hair so it would stay out of our faces.
I remember pool parties over at Traci's house and trying to figure out the words to Michael Jackson songs. Just a fun memory :)
I remember seeing her for the last time the Friday before Christmas break. I talked to her in between classes and asked what her plans were for the holiday. She specifically said they were going to Muskogee to see her grandparents. I never thought in a million years that would be the last time I saw her.
Traci was a natural talent both on and off the field. I sometimes wonder just what she would be doing today if things had been different.
Traffic Accident December 27th 1987. Also killed were her boyfriend John Patton from class of 1988, her mother, father, and sister.
