It’s common for high school students, especially in towns like Chickasha (pop. ~15,000), to busy
themselves in a broad mix of clubs, sports, college classes and jobs, but few maintain the balancing act with the same dynamism as senior Pairess Claphan. Claphan, who will be class of 2023 valedictorian, plays soccer, softball and pom; takes classes at Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center; and will soon be a licensed cosmetologist. She’s a state champion; a team captain; and a future college athlete.

All of it has “definitely been a challenge,” she says.

“Luckily, softball and soccer are two different seasons, but pom is all school year,” Claphan says. “It isn’t the easiest being busy all the time but I manage my time in an orderly manner to be able to do all the things I love. My coaches have been very flexible and worked with me on the best possible schedule for me.”

Claphan starts at center back and serves as team captain for the soccer team. Being a captain is an extra dish to an already full plate, but it’s worth the trouble, Claphan says.

“Knowing my teammates have trusted me with these responsibilities is such an amazing honor,” Claphan says. “My teammates have my back, and I will always have theirs.”

“It’s easy to be on a winning team but it’s how you react when losing that shows your true character.”

The 17-year old recently signed to continue her soccer-playing career at nearby USAO. It’s “an honor,” Claphan says, to continue her career in the town where she was born and raised. She pledged her talents to the Drovers after she practiced with the team during a recruiting visit.

“The girls and [head coach Jimmy Hampton] made me feel very welcome and not so nervous. As I started playing with them, they treated me as a teammate and like I was no different from them,” Claphan says. “The overwhelming feeling of trying to impress them and the coach went away because it felt so easy with all the encouragement around me.”

A two-time state champion in pom, Claphan is familiar with the pinnacle of athletic success, an auspicious characteristic for the championship-hopeful Drovers and Hampton. “Winning a championship one time is easy, but defending that title can be hard,” Claphan says.

“Winning back-to-back was an amazing feeling, especially when you are doing what you love. It’s such an incredible achievement and I am very proud of myself and my team.”

School has always come first for Claphan, whose title of valedictorian is indicative of her dedication to her studies. “I like to succeed in everything I do, especially with my studies,” Claphan says. “I’m never OK
with anything below an A and will always strive to do my best.”

Claphan is undecided but will have her pick of various majors at USAO.