There is someone in everyone’s life that makes an impact and helps shape that person into who they are. It could be someone they are close to or someone they see on social media, but the influence that they have can be immeasurable. Tayton Voegele is a senior at Newkirk High School and she says that she has a great group of people around her supporting her.

“My biggest influence and role models is honestly my family,” she stated. “They are all so involved with my sports and always there supporting and always ready to give me corrections. A teacher who has a big impact on my life is Mrs. Mayden. She is hands down the best teacher I have ever had.”

Tayton is a member of the Lady Tigers’ softball, basketball, soccer, and track teams. She is also involved in Bleachers Creatures and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Throughout her career, Voegele has made memories with her teammates, but she has one night on the court that is still very special to her.
 “My highlight of my career happened during my junior year,” she said. “It was my best friend’s senior night and it was a super close game. I made the free throws to tie the game and then she turned around and made two free throws to win the game.”

Becoming the athlete that she is today is not something that just happened overnight. Voegele has invested a lot to get where she is.

“It has taken me being on multiple travel teams and showing up to every practice ready to give it my all,” she said. “Something that keeps me motivated are competition and my goal to be successful.”

Mark Huster is the head coach of the Newkirk girls basketball team. He says that Voegele is a solid role player and a role model for the younger players to look up to.

“Tayton is a very good leader on our team,” he said. “She leads by example and is a very hard worker.”