Choctaw’s Shelby and Peyton Christopher
By Mike Moguin
Shelby and Peyton Christopher are a sister act duo that serves as a key strength for Choctaw both in volleyball and soccer.
Shelby, a senior, is also involved with her leadership team at church, FCA, and National Honor Society. Peyton is entering her sophomore year. The accomplishments they are most proud of are different, yet both are on the pitch.
“The accomplishment I am most proud of is earning ‘The Wall’ award two years in a row for being a good center back in soccer,” Shelby Christopher said. “It would be making a penalty kick with my left foot in a soccer game,” Peyton Christopher said.
Both girls share what they have learned from athletics and about who and what inspires them.
“My sport has taught me that even if you aren’t performing well, you still have to be there to support your team and your teammates’ successes,” Shelby said. “Having good energy and a good attitude can take you further than your athletic ability,” Peyton said.
Both Christopher sisters look back at the same grade when choosing their favorite teacher, each for a different subject.
“My favorite teacher is my sixth-grade science teacher, Mrs. Kula,” Shelby said. “She taught me to be true to my values and who I am.”
“It would be my sixth-grade English teacher, Mrs. Lewallen,” Peyton said. “Because even in the most chaotic of times, she was always calm and the kindest.”
Each is inspired by someone in their family.
“My aunt, Yaya, inspires me the most because through her, God has proven that His grace is enough, and even in your lowest moments, He is still there for you,” Shelby said.
“My dad inspires me because he always knows how to light up the room, and he is willing to do the littlest things for anyone with no complaining,” Peyton said.
The Christopher sisters have different perspectives when it comes to representing their schools as athletes.
“What I like is showing what great relationships I have with my team and how our energy changes the game,” said Peyton.
“I believe that when we win as a team, our entire school also wins,” Shelby said.
The best advice someone ever gave them?
“Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future,” Peyton said.
“We are all just a bunch of nobodies trying to tell everybody all about somebody [Jesus Christ],” Shelby said.
“I’d like to give a shout out to my mom for always being there for me from waking up early to make me breakfast, to doing the small things that mean the most to me,” Peyton said. “I truly love her so much, and I don’t know what I would do without her.”
“I’d like to say thank you to my high school J.V. volleyball coach for always believing in me and giving me advice about how to be a better teammate and Christian,” Shelby said.
