At just ten years old, Tylie Fearman already has a clear vision of who she is and where she’s headed. A fifth-grader at Apollo Elementary School, she balances a love for learning, competing, and creating, all while growing up in a family deeply connected to education.

Tylie’s mother is a third-grade teacher, and her father subs in the district, meaning she’s had a front-row seat to the world of education from an early age. It’s no surprise, then, that she has a natural inclination toward teaching others. "I like to teach people things," she says. "I don’t know exactly what I want to teach, but I know I want to help people learn."

Her passion for teaching is rivaled only by her love for basketball. Tylie has been playing since second grade, and the game has become a defining part of her life. "I’m going to keep playing," she says confidently. She travels for tournaments and even had the chance to see Caitlin Clark play in person while she was at the University of Iowa—a moment that left a lasting impression. "She’s really inspiring," Tylie says.

But basketball isn’t her only sport. She also plays softball and volleyball, rounding out her identity as a three-sport athlete. While she’s uncertain if she’ll continue all three throughout high school, one thing is certain—basketball isn’t going anywhere.

Beyond the court and the classroom, Tylie is an artist at heart. She loves painting and sculpting, favoring animals as her subjects. "I like to paint animals," she says. "And I make things out of clay." Her creativity extends beyond visual arts—she’s also a baker, though she sticks to cookies and brownies. "I don’t cook much else," she admits with a laugh.

Despite her many talents, Tylie remains humble and lighthearted, quick to joke about her picky eating habits. "I don’t try a lot of new foods," she says. "Definitely not sushi." But what she lacks in adventurous eating, she makes up for in adventurous play. She loves being outside, whether it’s playing basketball with friends, running around, or simply exploring.

Growing up in Mercer County, Tylie values the sense of community that surrounds her. "I like that we have so much space," she says, noting the open landscapes and small-town closeness that define her home. She spends a lot of time outside with friends, where sports and school naturally blend into everyday life.

With a strong foundation of family, education, athletics, and creativity, Tylie Fearman is setting herself up for an exciting future. Whether she’s teaching a lesson, sinking a shot, or crafting something new, she’s already proving that she’s capable of doing it all.