Webster sophomore Jordyn Payne runs track, plays basketball, and is president of her class. She said that the best part about playing sports in high school is the feeling of seeing her work pay off and the camaraderie with her teammates. 

Payne began her track career as a manager for the team and ended up falling in love with the sport, so she joined the cross-country team in the fall to train for track. This spring is her first year running and she has already made some good memories.

“My coach told me no matter what happens to just keep running,” said Payne. “So my very first meet, I started in my blocks and was really nervous, so I didn’t hear the guy say, ‘SET’. I just came straight off my blocks and ran way behind the other girls. But I just kept running like my coach said and still got second in my heat and ninth overall. I didn’t place but I was really proud of myself.” 

Payne looks up to her coach as a role model at her school. 

“He pushes me to keep going no matter what happens, and he’s become a really good friend to me along the way,” she said.

Payne’s plans for after high school include finishing her dual credit and graduating from Tulsa Community College, continuing her studies at the University of Oklahoma, and fulfilling her dream of being an obstetrician.