Sharp-MacPherson recognized at prestigious awards banquet

Jozey Sharp-MacPherson, a recent Mountain Grove High School graduate, has etched her name into the school’s history as one of its top athletes. However, Sharp-MacPherson’s athletic abilities were not always evident.
“She was very clumsy and accident-prone,” her mother, Robin MacPherson, recalled. “She was always falling.”
As time progressed, Sharp-MacPherson’s athletic prowess became more apparent. She began to participate in school sports, and, much to everyone’s surprise, she was a star.
She set the school record for assists as a standout volleyball player, amassing an impressive 1,759 over her four-year career. Her skills on the court earned her numerous accolades, including first-team All-Conference, first-team All-District and All-State honors in Class 3. But it was on the track where Sharp-MacPherson made a name for herself.
During her high school career, Sharp-MacPherson shattered four school records in track: 100 meters (12.35), 200 meters (25.48), 4x100-meter relay (49.77) and 4x200-meter relay (1:45.26). She helped lead the Lady Panthers to three consecutive South Central Association (SCA) Conference titles, a state sectional title and a fourth-place team finish at the Class 3 State Championships meet. Her performance at the Southwest Baptist University (SBU) High School Invitational, where she claimed victory in the 200 meters for two years and the 100 meters for three years, cemented her reputation as one of the top sprinters in the state.
Sharp-MacPherson made an Jozey Sharp-MacPherson, a recent Mountain Grove High School graduate, has etched her name into the school’s history as one of its top athletes. However, Sharp-MacPherson’s athletic abilities were not always evident.
“She was very clumsy and accident-prone,” her mother, Robin MacPherson, recalled. “She was always falling.”
As time progressed, Sharp-MacPherson’s athletic prowess became more apparent. She began to participate in school sports, and, much to everyone’s surprise, she was a star.
She set the school record for assists as a standout volleyball player, amassing an impressive 1,759 over her four-year career. Her skills on the court earned her numerous accolades, including first-team All-Conference, first-team All-District and All-State honors in Class 3. But it was on the track where Sharp-MacPherson made a name for herself.
During her high school career, Sharp-MacPherson shattered four school records in track: 100 meters (12.35), 200 meters (25.48), 4x100-meter relay (49.77) and 4x200-meter relay (1:45.26). She helped lead the Lady Panthers to three consecutive South Central Association (SCA) Conference titles, a state sectional title and a fourth-place team finish at the Class 3 State Championships meet. Her performance at the Southwest Baptist University (SBU) High School Invitational, where she claimed victory in the 200 meters for two years and the 100 meters for three years, cemented her reputation as one of the top sprinters in the state.
Sharp-MacPherson made an impressive 23 appearances at the state level, with 12 of those in individual events.
One of her most memorable victories was in the 4x100-meter relay, where she brought her team from five yards behind to win by a mere .06 seconds. In her final state meet, she earned first place in the 4x100-meter relay, second place in the 200 meters, fourth place in the 100 meters and fifth place in the 4x200-meter relay.
As with any journey to success, Sharp-MacPherson faced her fair share of difficulties. She has sustained various injuries throughout her athletic career, including stress fractures in both feet. She recalled entertaining the idea of quitting sports altogether.
“There were times when the physical and emotional pressure made me want to give up,” she said. “But I knew I had to keep pushing.”
Remarkably, she ran through the turmoil, most notably in her sophomore year, when she broke the 200-meter school record with an active fracture in her foot.
“She has fought through injury and capped her career with a state title in one of the most exciting races I’ve seen in years,” said Mountain Grove track and field coach John Citron of Sharp-MacPherson’s performance in the 4x100-meter relay.
Sharp-MacPherson’s dedication and sportsmanship were recognized at the 12th annual Springfield Sports Commission Awards banquet on June 18 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. The prestigious awards, which cover all of southwest Missouri, had Sharp-MacPherson nominated in three categories, Girls Track Athlete of the Year, Girls Performance of the Year and Girls Athlete of the Year. In a crowd of more than 800 attendees, Sharp-MacPherson was named Girls Track Athlete of the Year.
After graduating high school, Sharp-MacPherson decided to pursue a different path. Her talents aren’t confined to the volleyball court and track, and her mind has wandered elsewhere.
“It’s time to close this chapter and begin a new one,” she said.
An accomplished water skier, she plans to continue her athletic journey at Missouri State University, where she will vie for a spot on the University’s Water Ski Club while pursuing a degree in nursing. 
“I’m going to try my hardest at whatever I do, no matter what it is,” Sharp-MacPherson said. “And I’m always up for a new challenge.”