By M. Howell
Saylor Paden is a junior at Weatherford High School. Saylor is a proud student athlete and teammate who understands that without teamwork, no one succeeds. She plays both regular and club volleyball and her favorite positions are setter or outside hitter and said that some of her favorite memories were made with her club volleyball team. “Last season I played for Rise 16-1s and grew so much as a player and person, and made so many new relationships,” Saylor reflected. About the sport of volleyball itself, she says it has taught her how to be a better leader. Saylor continued, “working through hard matches on the court has helped me develop mental strength,” which made her a stronger person altogether.
Saylor has instilled this development of mental strength into her education as well and she says she has her teachers and other positive influences to thank for that. “Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Weiberg have both been great teachers and people to me, and they have always been there to help me with great advice.” She included that her Coach Soss played an additional major part in where she is today in her volleyball career and skill level. One of the biggest inspirations in her life, though, Saylor admits is her mother because she is her best friend while being a great role model.
The best part of being a Weatherford Eagle, to Saylor, is being able to build relationships as a team. “We spend a lot of time together and we will have lasting friendships from our time in volleyball at WHS,” she said, and continued that the schools’ supportive staff and students are another reason she loves being an Eagle. A quote that has stuck with her is from Coach Miller, that “Things in life are earned, not given.” Saylor is also involved in Student Council, Early Bird Readers, Leadership Lab, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She wanted to thank Coach Miller and Coach Tony for everything they had taught her. In closing, Saylor stated: “We’ve had a great season this year and I can’t wait for the opportunities to come.”
