Athletes put in a lot of time and effort so that they can be at the top of their game whenever their time to get in the game comes along. Payton Miner’s favorite memory of playing sports happened whenever her name was called and she showed she was ready.

“The highlight moment of my career was scoring the first time I played in a varsity game,” she recalled. “It was my sophomore year and we were playing against Putnam City North. It was a great feeling to see the shot go in.”

Miner is a junior at Ponca City High School. She is a member of the cross country, basketball, and track teams. She also serves as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a member of the Native American Heritage Club.

Payton credits her success to the time that she has invested. But she also says that there are a few people that have been influential in her life and helped her get to where she is.  “It has taken hard work in and out of practice,” she said. “My dad really motivates me and encourages me to do what I do to the best of my ability. And my older brother Burt is one of my biggest role models because of his amazing work ethic and all of the things he has accomplished. Coach Landes has had a very big impact on my life by showing me that whatever I do, to do it through Christ.”

When it comes to school pride, that is not something that Miner lacks. She says that wearing her school’s colors when she competes is something that is important to her.

“It means so much to be representing my school  and community,” she said. “I really want to represent them well. When we are playing, I enjoy beating Enid because they are one of our biggest rivals.”

While she enjoys competing alongside all of her teammates, Payton has one teammate that she feels like helps her continually get better. “I like working against Allison Duncan in practice,” she said. “Mainly because she pushes me to be better at my position.”