Blessings in Disguise

Often times, people view their burdens as a curse, but how many see them as a blessing in disguise?
For Rylee Langerman, her blessing in disguise came in the form of Alopecia areata, a disease which causes hair loss.
The Cowgirl newcomer was diagnosed with the condition in second grade. Initially, it was something that could be hidden but by eighth grade, it was something she could not conceal and chose to embrace.
Langerman excelled during her prep career as the Norman native averaged more than 21 points during her senior campaign to help propel Christian Heritage Academy to a third state title appearance.
Just as Langerman and her teammates were reaching a pinnacle with a chance to capture a third championship, the COVID-19 pandemic took over the world canceling the chances of any title game.
Having dealt with adversity before, Langerman was equipped to face it once again with her ever-positive outlook.
Instead of getting caught up in the moment, she reflected on her successful prep career and was grateful for what her love for basketball had done for her.
Similarly to the way she has handled her journey with Alopecia, Langerman turned an obstacle into a stepping stone.
"It's made me who I am today and made me realize there are things in life that I can overcome," Langerman said.
Unlike most people who may consider having an appearance-altering disease a burden. Langerman does not see it that way.
"I've realized that what you can view as burdens at the time are really blessings in disguise because I think that alopecia has given me a lot of opportunities," Langerman said.
No matter what has been thrown at Langerman during her life one thing that has always remained as a key pillar is her strong faith.
"Faith is literally the number one thing in my life," Langerman said. "It's all that I'm about because, without it, there's really no point in what I'm doing."
Off the court, you can find Langerman balancing her time as a basketball player and a pre-med student.
With her hands full on and off the court Langerman has to pick and choose where her time goes and that often times means sacrificing her social life.
"It has taken a lot of practice and it has definitely taught me some hard lessons about time management." Langerman said, "But every person I've talked to I just tell them, as a pre-med student and an athlete you kind of just know what you have to do and you just do it."

She found her interest in joining the medical field through her father, RJ.
"My biggest inspiration is probably my dad because just from a young age, I just got to watch him be a doctor working in the medical field," Langerman said, "I think that's a big reason why I've chosen to go pre-med and do it in medical school."
After growing up in the shadow of the University of Oklahoma, Langerman made the decision to spend her first three seasons as an Arkansas Razorback before transferring to OSU.
Naturally, Langerman has family who root for the Cowgirls' arch rivals, but their support remains with her choosing to wear America's Brightest Orange.
"It goes beyond OU vs. OSU they're just here to support me," Langerman said. "So coming to OSU just seeing so many people I know not care what university it is or where I'm at and just wanting to support me on the team has been awesome."
Now back in her home state for her senior season, Langerman said she's already developed deep relationships with her teammates and is excited to see what the team is capable of this year.
Langerman said she hopes to be seen as a hard worker and a good teammate on the court but off of it, she wants to be seen as something different.
"I think that I just want people to know me as a hard worker and someone who just loves people. I just want to be a good example," Langerman said.
In Langerman's story, we find a reminder that challenges can be instrumental in growth and success. Her journey is a testament to the power of a positive perspective, unwavering faith and the determination to turn burdens into blessings.
Langerman's story serves as an inspiration to all, urging us to see the potential for growth and opportunity in every obstacle we face.
"I really wouldn't change a thing about it and I think that's why I'm here today. And I think God made me like this for a reason."

Oklahoma State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Rylee Langerman

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