As the blades of a military helicopter sounded over Devon Park , Travis Danley ’s worlds collided.
Gazing towards center field, Danley watched as U.S. Army Reserve and active-duty soldiers stood with the American flag in their hands.
With the Spark lined up Friday night, donning camouflage jerseys for military appreciation night, Danley saw his commitment to both his country and the program merge together — as an Army drill sergeant and as the Spark’s strength and conditioning coach.
With the sounds of the helicopter in the distance, Danley returned to the dugout as the Spark took the field to face the Women’s All-Army softball team. As the coach watched, with just one game left to go during his first season with the program, it was evident that various aspects of his life had lent to the other, giving the game and his choice to join the military a unique purpose.
“This was special,” OKC Spark head coach Amber Flores said. “Travis gets it, and there is a deeper meaning that he understands. He’s got a great perspective and a way of being disciplined. I think his time serving taught him that.”