By Anna Caudill, Editor-in-Chief
At Reynolds High School, it’s hard not to know who Chandler Borton is. The senior is involved in seemingly everything, from being a member of Girls Council to attempting to graduate with 17 varsity letters.
While Borton excels in and out of the classroom and at every sport she plays, she especially shines when she dons her iconic tri-braid ponytail and dominates her field hockey foes.
A gymnast until third grade, Borton made the transition to field hockey when her parents encouraged her to participate in Optimist’s first area field hockey program. Since then, Borton has dedicated herself to the sport, and her hard work has definitely paid off. A dream that Borton once considered near to impossible has come true: She will play field hockey for Wake Forest.
“I’m really excited to have good coaches and fun teammates,” Borton said of joining the Demon Deacons. “Everyone will be as dedicated to the sport as me.”
Borton’s Reynolds teammates consider themselves fortunate to have such a dedicated and supportive team member on the field with them, and have learned a lot from Borton’s incredible determination.
“I think Chandler is very dedicated to everything she does,” senior Hayley Geis said. “She’s very inspirational because she works really hard and never complains and supports everyone.”
Added senior Kate Elliott: “Chandler is one of the most inspirational and motivational student-athletes. Between her sports and church and family, she has found the perfect balance and is an awesome friend.”
Borton’s athletic achievements aren’t limited to the field hockey field, as she also runs cross country, competes in track and field, and plays lacrosse for the Demons. She holds numerous distance event school records and attributes her running to part of her athletic success.
“Running has made me a better all-around athlete, but has also shown me that I have a lot of dedication and intrinsic motivation to be successful,” Borton said.
Her drive doesn’t falter in these other sports, and Borton’s well-roundedness as an athlete and a student has made an impression on her fellow teammates.
“Chandler is the most athletically gifted person I’ve ever known,” senior cross country and track team member Eric Royer said. “But she’s also the hardest worker and most dedicated athlete I’ve ever seen. It’s kind of ridiculous.”
The impact Borton has made on Reynolds’ athletic history is undeniable, and the accomplishments in her sports figure to carry on with her as she moves onto the next chapter of her life as a Demon Deacon.
Anyone looking to be the next Chandler Borton will have a long, hard road ahead, but he or she may just be able to follow in the great footsteps of this incredible athlete.
“Find something you love and keep your faith that you’ll be successful,” Borton said. “Know that there is a plan for you.”