Bogalusa High School’s Prayja Bickham

Bogalusa High School junior Prayja Bickham is a two-sport athlete, competing in volleyball and in track and field. Bickham is a setter and center for the volleyball team. Bickham has been a first-team all-district player in each of the last two seasons.
In track and field, Bickham runs in all of the relays — the 4×100, 4×200 and 4×400 — along with the 100-meter dash and 200. She is also in the javelin and the long jump. Last season, Bickham reached the regionals in the 200 and the javelin and was part of the 4×100 and 4×200 relay teams.
Bogalusa volleyball coach Racheal Galloway praised Bickham.
“Good athlete. Puts a lot of effort into it. Really hustles. Hustles on and off the court and really shows up for game time. Works well under pressure,” Galloway said.

What do you enjoy most about playing your sports? Why?
I love playing volleyball because it’s my favorite sport and I never thought I would love volleyball so much until I played it in my first year. And track, I love running.

What do you like best about being a student-athlete?
I’m able to maintain my grades right and I can play the sports, too.

Who has been the most influential person in your school sports career? Why?
My mom (Asja Beck) pushes me a lot. She influences me.

Favorite team?
The Atlanta Falcons.

Best thing about living in Washington Parish?
The best thing for me is there are sports to play, to stay out of trouble.