Opp rising senior Crislyn Birge’s heart for others will suit her well in the future. That’s because the two-sport star has her sights set on becoming an occupational therapist after she graduates college.
“I’ve always wanted to be in the medical field of some sort,” Crislyn said. “I couldn’t really do needles, but I like helping somebody who is injured get back to being okay or helping someone to do what they used to do but can’t anymore.”
Though Crislyn’s destination may be clear, the path isn’t—and that’s perfectly okay. Crislyn says she wants to play softball at the next level, and she’s letting that play out as she approaches her last year on the diamond.
Her numbers from last year speak for themselves. In 2025, the middle infielder hit .424 with 56 hits, 43 runs, and 29 stolen bases for head softball coach David McVay. Team-wise, the Lady Bobcats have experienced an incredible run during Crislyn’s tenure, winning a state championship in 2024 and finishing as the runner-up in the year prior.
Crislyn also enjoys being a part of the school’s volleyball team, led by head coach Caiden Harrell. Last fall, Crislyn, playing Libero, had 421 digs, 430 receptions, and 28 service aces. She also averaged 4.5 digs per set.
The daughter of Scott and Crystal Birge, Crislyn approaches her academic and civic life with the same degree of seriousness as her athletic pursuits, if not more. She has a 4.3 GPA in the classroom, serves as the Student Government Association (SGA) Vice-President, and is involved in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Cosmo Teens, Skills USA, and Ambassadors.
Crislyn says her favorite thing about being an athlete at Opp is that it teaches you leadership. “It teaches you to be disciplined and that if you really want something, you have to work hard for it,” she said.
She loves the support the community gives to its athletic programs and believes this was no more evident than when the Lady Bobcats went on their state championship run in 2024. “When we won state, our community went to the stadium and were there to support us and cheer us on whenever we got back,” she said.
Outside of school and sports, Crislyn loves to work out, hang out with friends, go on walks. She says her favorite restaurant is Samurai and an athlete she’d like to meet is professional softball player and former Arkansas Razorback Bri Ellis.
Crislyn has one more year to contribute to the Bobcats’ athletic program, and it’s something in which she takes great pride. “I like representing the school name on my jersey,” she says.
And though her future college choice may be but unclear at this point, for now, Crislyn is content to blaze her own trail. TG
Photos by Al Blanton
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