Community Christian senior Stella Gorton recently wrapped up her volleyball career winning a third state title in four years. It was an athletic career any high school athlete would envy.

“The one we didn’t win, my junior year, we got second place, but that was our first year getting bumped up to 4A. . . It’s been a big deal for us and our school. The seniors that have played since freshman year have set many school records,” Gorton said. “The most important one I can think of is that in the past, our school has never won anything past 3A in volleyball, so making it to the championship in 4A three years in a row is huge.”

A four-year starter, Gorton dished over 2,500 career assists for the Royals. She earned MVP at the Port City Tournament this season. But life lessons she inherited through the sport are truly invaluable.

“If you’re going to do something, be the best you can be at it, because everything comes to an end at some point in life, and you want to be proud of yourself and have an impact,” Gorton said.

Her career began at 9 years old.

“I played club all the way up until I was 16. I’ve played school ball all four years, though. I started out playing club at Premier and then moved to Charge my 15s year,” Gorton said. “My parents have started out each of my siblings doing sports until we found one we liked, so when I was little, I tried ballet and basketball. Volleyball was my life freshman and sophomore year, and I would spend every second doing something to help me get better because I loved it.”

Gorton started at Community Christian at 3 years old and is expected to graduate as senior class valedictorian.

“I’m very proud of how I am doing with my academics this year and last year,” Gorton said. “I spend a lot of my time either doing homework, going to the gym or hanging out with friends, but I enjoy doing all of them.”

Gorton is a member of National Honors Society and works in the nursery at her church. In her free time, she plays disc golf with her boyfriend. She has also played golf in the past but is considering playing a different sport this spring.

“If my friends do it with me, I’ll probably end up playing slow-pitch. Plus, I also played softball for a little when I was younger,” Gorton said. “Past graduation, I’m planning on going to SWOSU as a nursing major and eventually getting all my credentials and everything I need to become a nurse anesthetist.”