What qualities make a good volleyball great?  Stamina, strong legs, high vertical leap, pivoting skills, quickness, good team communication abilities, strong arms, understanding the tactics of the sport and the motivation to succeed through a can do attitude. It’s all of the above and more for Peyton Yarbrough.

Leading her team in assists the last two years while having the second best hitting average, the 5-11 Tuttle junior continues to prove her individual skills and as a leader of the Lady Tigers through a year round commitment.

“Lots and lots of practice, I play volleyball year around,” replied Yarbrough. “I haven’t had a summer in almost four years because it’s full with volleyball, as soon as school ball ends club begins and then we train for the next school year.”

Knowledgeable and talented at a variety of positions, “P” explains why she prefers playing outside hitter.

“My responsibilities for being a hitter is to see the court all the time. You don’t have to slam the ball down every time you go to hit the ball, tipping right behind the block or placing the ball is just as much of a point as killing it right in the middle or right on the line you have to be smart and switch up your options,” Peyton said. “When you get that great kill and turn and see your teammates go crazy that’s what makes the game so much fun especially when you hit that ball just right.”

Karen Yarbrough, her coach, and mom, admits it’s the little things that make a difference.

“Peyton has a high volleyball IQ,” said the Tigers volleyball coach, “She sets her standards high and isn’t satisfied with anything less that her best. She recognizes the little things that often give us an advantage.”

In Peyton’s words, it’s all about character.

“Having a good character is important to me because it affects your attitude whether that is on or off the court. If you have bad character or a bad attitude it can affect the people around you.”

And while she shares a ride to practice and to the games with the coach, Peyton is quick to admit, ”it’s not about me but it’s all about the T” (Tuttle).

“It’s definitely all about my team. I would do anything for my team. They have seen me at my best and at my worst,” Peyton said with passion. “They have always been there for me and I will continue to do the same to them. I want to be known as the person who left it on the court, the one who tried their best for her teammates all the time.”