The following story is the latest in a spotlight series of SWOSU student-athletes from the Weatherford Daily News and was published in the newspaper on January 18th.


SWOSU basketball player Cooper Battisti says he lives his life with a "next-shot mindset."

Battisti, a 22-year old athlete from Moore, has been playing basketball most of his life. He has been involved in the sport as long as he can remember, and recalls memories of attending his dad's practices at Northwestern Oklahoma State University before he was old enough to go to school.
 
His next-shot mindset is inspired by his dad, who gave him this advice when Battisti was in junior high.
 
"You cannot change the outcome of your last shot or move in life," Battisti said. "Move forward and have a short-term memory."
 
Another important thing he learned from a coach of his is "the basketball will eventually stop bouncing for everybody." This has led him to think often about what he wants his life to be like after basketball, because he knows his career as athlete will one day come to an end.
 
When he started playing for SWOSU, his goals were to build relationships with each coach and team member, and to win a conference title. He feels he has built solid relationships with his coaches and teammates, but still hopes to win a conference title in the future.
 
When asked to pick one word to describe him, Battisti chose "reliable."  He strives to be a person who others can always count on, no matter the situation, for help or guidance.
 
Battisti's said his strengths in his sport are his basketball IQ and analyzation. However, he would like to improve on being more vocal and open with his team. He looks up to Stephen Curry as a role model, because Curry leads by example both on and off the court.
 
In preparing for games, Battisti said he's not a fan or superstitions or rituals, but listens to music before every game. He finds himself nervous and anxious before every game, but deals with the uncertainty by thinking about different factors which could lead the team to a victory.
 
Battisti offered advice to those considering becoming a college athlete, based on his own experience of transitioning into college athletics.
 
"Ask yourself if you really love your sport all the time or just sometimes," Battisti said. "Because it is an everyday job that requires a lot of your time and can physically wear you down if you're not mentally prepared every single day."
 
Through his experience, he has learned the most important thing is always taking care of your body, whether it is stretching, an ice bath or getting treatment from the trainers.
 
One of his regrets is not talking to more people, and he encourages others to "put yourself out there and meet people" because "there are a lot of great men and women at this university."
 
Overall, Battisti's most important advice for incoming freshman athletes is to get enough sleep and eat properly.
 
"Also, talk to your parents often," Battisti said. "And your team is your family. Ask your senior leaders questions, because they have already been in your shoes."