By Ken Hansard

Duncan High School’s La’Teiya Newberry, a sophomore middle blocker in volleyball, has been chosen as one of VYPE Sports’ “Character Counts” student-athletes for the month of October, and with good reason.  La’Teiya, when asked about her biggest role models, named pretty much anyone in a position to make a positive connection, “My mom motivates me.  Some of my other greatest influences are Coach Scott and Coach Jeffords, because they have always shown belief in me, and they push me to be my best, both as a person and as an athlete.  I also feel I should mention Ms. Clauson, because she makes sure that I always have a smile on my face.” When asked what it takes to be her very best as an athlete, La’Teiya responded, “You have to have that mental toughness.  I have to take the advice and instructions that my coaches give me, and I have to always remember not to go easy on myself.”  When asked about her teammates, Newberry had this to say: “They are all great, but Makynna Skinner has probably had the most influence on me, because she is a great hitter and pushes me to work on blocking, but she still manages to have a lot of fun. One player who I feel deserves far more appreciation is Makiyah Skinner. She always hustles and gets her job done. She’s our setter, so she’s also the playmaker.”  Balancing schoolwork, social life, and athletics is always a challenge to those who are involved in high school extracurricular activities, and when asked how she makes it all work, Newberry responded, “It’s sometimes difficult.  You just have to be disciplined and have good time management.”  La’Teiya also wanted to give a shout-out to the Duncan community.  “I am so proud to be able to represent my school, and really, my entire community when I step onto the court.  It means a lot, and I try to be a good role model on and off the court with my sportsmanship, character, self-control, pride, and the respect that I try to show others.”