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'Thunder Girl' returns home, shares message to "dream big"

CYRIL, Okla. – Set goals, build character and dream big; that is what Cyril Elementary School students learned today.  And one of the school's former students is a living example of just that.

Sarah Cowen is a "Thunder Girl"; one of the dancers and ambassadors supporting the Oklahoma City Thunder professional basketball team.  Today, Sarah was the guest of honor at her alma matter and she encouraged the youngsters to never give up on yourself and to always dream big.

Sarah, 19, always had big dreams to go to the big city.  And that dream came true last month when she made the dancing squad for the Oklahoma City Thunder.  She shared her story today. 

It was a big day for a small-town girl.  Over a hundred students could hardly contain themselves, Sarah Cowen, one of their own was there.

She is all grown up now and despite being a small-town girl, she has always had big-city ambitions.

"She has always wanted to be a dancer since she was two.  If you ever asked her what she wanted to do when she grew up she always wanted to be a dancer," said Sarah's mom, Nela Cowen.

Though the road to success was not easy, Sarah never gave up.

"I actually tried out last year and I didn't make it, [but] I made it to finals.  So I knew I would definitely try again and I did and I made it," said Sarah.

And that was the message she shared with her hometown elementary school today.

"You can definitely  get out of here…just set goals and you can do it.  Believe in yourself.  Never give up.  Try again if you don't achieve the first time.  You can make it," said Sarah.

Even though she has made it to the big leagues, Sarah says Cyril will always hold a special place in her heart.

"My parents always drove me an hour to the city to take dance classes.  So I knew it was possible," said Sarah.

Nela has yet to see her daughter perform as a Thunder Girl, but she will be there when she does. 

"I'm going to be the proudest mom there.  It will be so exciting.  I can't wait," said Nela.

Cowen also said that even though she has only been a part of the Thunder Girl team for a month, it has the best experience she has had in her entire life.

The Thunder preseason was scheduled to start Oct. 16m but just today, the NBA canceled 43 preseason games because of the strike.  However, both sides still hope the entire regular season, scheduled to begin Nov. 1, can be saved.  We will keep you updated.