Greenbrier East volleyball player Peyton Barker is vital to her team’s success. She has racked up some good numbers the last four years, but her leadership on the court is second to none, and a huge reason why she was voted co-captain of 2023, voted on by her peers. During her career, Barker currently sits in the top 10 in school history for serve percentage in a season (3rd, 97.36% in 2022) and points in a 3-set match (7th, 19 in 2021). She has 448 digs, 190 serve receives, 147 aces, 52 assists and has played 293 sets.
What coach Matt Sauvage says: “Peyton has been a big part of this team for the past four years. She is a very talented player on the court, but what I love most about Peyton is her leadership. She understands how to push herself and her teammates on and off the court and always in a positive manner. She has a positive impact even on my own life.”
WVDN: What position do you play?
Barker: Defensive specialist, left back
WVDN: Do you play any other sports?
Barker: I play tennis for East.
WVDN: Do you have a pregame ritual?
Barker: Before games I always take a nap. To get hyped I listen to music and dance. Then, I pray before I step on the court.
WVDN: Favorite food?
Barker: Spaghetti
WVDN: Favorite actor/actress?
Barker: Patrick Dempsey
WVDN: Favorite band/singer?
Barker: For King and Country is my favorite band.
WVDN: Favorite song?
Barker: Praise by Elevation Worship
WVDN: Your best volleyball memory?
Barker: My favorite volleyball memory was when the student section let off a confetti cannon over top of us after we beat Woodrow at home my junior year.
WVDN: Favorite memory so far at east? (Student or athlete-wise)
Barker: My favorite memory at East was winning powderpuff last year. Specifically, I will never forget when I threw a touchdown pass to Gracie Gumm to put us ahead of the senior team.
WVDN: Once the season is over, what will you miss the most?
Barker: Once the season is over, I’m going to miss being with the girls every day. I love our inside jokes and all the laughs we have throughout practices and games.
WVDN: What have you learned from being in sports at east?
Barker: While participating in sports at East, I had to learn how to be mentally tough. Sports not only are hard on your body, but on your mind. It was crucial for me to learn that sports didn’t define who I was or prove my worth.
WVDN: What’s one thing you would say to an underclassman for advice?
Barker: As you go through high school remember to stay true to yourself and your morals. You can have bad days on the court or in the classroom, but you can always be kind to others. Never forget who you are, why you love the activities you do, and what your purpose is.
WVDN: Favorite class?
Barker: My favorite class is Dual English or AP Computer Science Principles
WVDN: How does it feel to be a senior?
Barker: Being a senior is very bittersweet. I really don’t know how I went from a freshman to a senior so fast. I want to take this last year of high school to enjoy being around the people I love and make all the memories that I can. This is my year to be a leader for the underclassmen.
WVDN: Any siblings or pets?
Barker: I have a little brother Jacob, who is a freshman at East. I also have a Jack Russell Terrier named Ellie.
WVDN: Parents names?
Barker: Rob and Tammy Barker
WVDN: What has coach Sauvage taught you not just about volleyball, but life as well?
Barker: Coach Sauvage has expanded my knowledge of the game of volleyball more than I ever expected. However, that’s honestly not what I think is most important out of the things I’ve taken away from GEVB. With coach Sauvage we’ve dove into the Bible. As a team we come together and try to live like Jesus. Coach Sauvage taught me to carry myself with class and kindness even when I face adversity and hate.
WVDN: How important is your family in all your academic and sport decisions?
Barker: My family has been crucial in my academic, sports, and life decisions. Without my parents’ guidance I wouldn’t be half the person I am now. Either my mom or dad is at every single game and academic event. They are my biggest supporters who pick me up when I am down. My parents push me to reach my full potential and achieve all of my goals. My brother is my favorite person in the world. He is my hype guy who I always try to set a good example for. Without these people I wouldn’t be here today.
WVDN: Plans after high school?
Barker: I plan to attend college to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In addition to this, I want to get involved in Young Life College and help lead Wyld Life at a local middle school.
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