Athletes have a number of things that drive them to work hard to continually improve their game. For some, it could be the desire to win a championship or reach a personal milestone, while others may want to see themselves grow as an individual. Kingfisher’s Peyton Walker says that her biggest motivation is something deep inside.
“My competitive nature definitely motivates me,” she said. “But besides that, I hold myself to high standards to always give my best effort no matter the circumstance. Since I set high goals for myself, I’m my biggest motivator.”
Walker is a senior at Kingfisher High School. She is a member of the cross country, basketball, and soccer teams. Outside of sports, she is also involved in the National Honor Society, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, and Students Stepping Up, which is a monthly service project organization.
Wearing the Kingfisher name on her uniform is very important to Peyton. She says that she hopes to be a role model for the younger students like some were for her when she was young.
“It means the world to me to be able to represent my school and community,” she said. “I remember being a little one attending the games looking up to everyone out there playing, so now that I’m the one out there, I feel like I’m doing more than just playing basketball. I’m blessed to get to play in front of such great fans and people.”
There have been a number of people that have made an impact on Peyton’s life and have helped her become who she is today.
“My biggest influencers and role models are definitely my parents,” she stated. “They push me to be better in everything I do. They really show me how to be a good person and friend. Also, I’ve had so many teachers impact me that it’s hard to just choose one as my favorite. However, one teacher that always has a special place in my heart is my 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Cheap. She’s one who always believed in me and really made me enjoy school every single day.”
Throughout her career, Walker has had different goals she had set for herself. One of the bigger ones was to play sports at the next level and she says that is one goal that she has reached.
“I have signed with the University of Central Oklahoma to continue my basketball career,” she said. “I could not be more excited. It takes a lot to be successful. Things like having a good work ethic, being able to prioritize, focusing on the positive in situations, and creating relationships with my teammates and coaches have made me successful in my sports.”
