It’s not every day that someone from Oklahoma commits to Washington State University, but that is exactly where Southmoore High School’s Peyton Koepke is headed once she walks across the stage and calls herself a SaberCat for the last time.
“I picked Washington State because it just felt like the right fit. I loved the campus so much the first I visited,” said Koepke.
The senior is a member of the dance team at SHS and said dancing is her happy place.
“I started dancing at age nine. What I love most about it is how free it makes me feel. Dance feels like therapy sometimes and that is a good feeling,” said Koepke.
Koepke also serves as the class president. A job she has loved doing for her fellow seniors despite the challenges of balancing a busy schedule.
“Serving as class president has meant so much. I’ve loved being able to plan things and be a leader for my class,” Koepke said. “The biggest challenge for me was learning how to balance my competitive dance and high school pom schedules. Both were very demanding, so it was sometimes hard to balance.”
The support from family, friends and coaches has helped Koepke overcome many of the challenges student-athletes face.
“The support means everything. With their support I would not be where I am today. I’m so thankful for everyone who has helped me along this journey,” said Koepke.
With any competitive activity, mental preparation is crucial and it’s something Koepke does not skip when competing.
“I mentally prepare by getting focused and putting on my headphones. I stay off social media and focus on the things that are most important at that moment,” said Koepke.
Her teammates are the glue for the senior.
“What I love most about my pom teammates is how supportive they are. They are all so sweet and never fail to make me smile even on off days,” said Koepke.
One accomplishment she is proud of is being named top All-American at her last pom camp. Her inspired performance is directly related to her parents.
“The people that inspire me are my parents and the people I dance with. They show me what hard work looks like and how to be a leader and to be a good person.
Koepke plans to become a physical therapist that specializes in dancers.
“I can’t wait for life after school and to build my own family,” said Koepke.
