Peyton

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Peyton loves competing, but what she treasures most is being part of a team. Whether she’s on the basketball court, track, volleyball court, cross-country course or football field, she loves encouraging, teammates, celebrating their success, and helping everyone improve together. Every sport teaches something different, but each one gives her another opportunity to grow, lead, and build lifelong friendships.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Peyton‘s greatest inspiration is her dad, Jared. He was a lifelong athlete whose love of sports continues to shape the way she competes. After he was tragically killed in a car accident when Peyton was five, she chose to honor his legacy by approaching every practice and competition with joy, determination, and gratitude. She hopes people remember, not only how she competed, but how she encouraged others along the way.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

One of my proudest moments wasn’t after a championship or a personal best. During the season, Peyton’s Basketball Coach simply reached out to tell us what a wonderful young woman she is and how incredibly hard she works. As parents, hearing that her coaches value her character and the positive influence she has on her teammates as well as her statistics confirmed what we’ve always hoped – that sports are helping shape the kind of person she’ll become.