Payton Pinkard and Alani Skinner have played on the same volleyball team since seventh grade. After playing in the end-of-season HISD all-star game, the once-inseparable duo must now prepare to embrace new life challenges at different colleges.
“It’s been a great experience playing with her because she brings a different energy level to the court and the team. We are more than just teammates, we are friends,” said Pinkard, about her running mate Skinner.
“Their dynamic work ethic on and off the court has set the expectation for the entire program,” said Houston Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy head coach Tala’Shandria Allen. “Leading by example both on the court and in the classroom, their leadership has become a standard for every rising player in our program.”
Pinkard and Skinner were the only two players selected to represent their school during HISD’s all-star volleyball game, which took place at Butler Stadium on May 18. As the duo took the court at Butler Stadium for the last time, Skinner expressed her joy in being able to represent her team alongside her friend.
“I felt honored that coach Allen believed in my performance and my ability to work on a team with other notable players from across the district,” said Skinner. “I enjoyed being a part of the team, playing with Payton and having teammates fill the stands in support one last time.”
As both players embarked on their volleyball journey, they shared goals of self-identify and self-esteem, which they hope to achieve through playing the sport.
“Me on the court and me off the court are two different people,” said Pinkard. “The confidence I use when I play volleyball I’ve learned to translate into my everyday life.”
Pinkard began playing volleyball in elementary school, idolizing her cousin Ruth Ard, who played at North Shore Senior High School before finishing at Oklahoma Panhandle State University.
“I tried several other sports but none of them ever clicked with me. My mom and I would go to Ruth’s high school games and travel with her during club season. As a little girl, I wanted to be just like my cousin Ruth. She was talented and confident, so I begged my mom to put me in volleyball,” said Pinkard.
Skinner also began playing early, but becoming physically fit was her main goal.
“When I was younger, I was a heavy set child,” said Skinner. “I tried working out and dieting but nothing worked for me. After being allowed to participate in sports in my 7th-grade year, my mother encouraged me to try volleyball. I made the team, found that confidence I was searching for, and became more physically fit.”
Payton Pinkard
IG: @payyytonnn.
Position: Middle Blocker
Height & weight: 5-feet-11, 145 pounds
Favorite artists: Jill Scott, SZA, Smino, and SiR
College choice: University of Oklahoma
Favorite subject: History
The Duo battled together for four years on the varsity level at Houston Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy and during their senior year led their team to a perfect 16-0 record while securing a 4A Region III District 21 Championship status. Pinkard also captured the District 21-4A MVP award this past season.
Moving forward, both athletes have noted their volleyball dreams have come to an end, but have dedicated themselves to pursuing collegiate degrees and taking the lessons learned from volleyball to college with them.
Alani Skinner
IG: @ask._.alani
Position: Back Row Player
Height & weight: 5-feet-6, 165 pounds
Favorite artist: Giveon
College choice: Sam Houston State University
Favorite subject: Science
This fall, Skinner will attend Sam Houston State University and Payton will attend the University of Oklahoma and plans to major in electrical engineering with a minor in history or political science.
“I’ve always liked creating things from scratch and watching chemical reactions. With my major, I plan to work in the lab of a corporation or work in the lab for the FBI to help solve crimes,” said Skinner.
While looking back, Pinkard hopes to inspire the next generation of female athletes. She remembers the words of wisdom her mother, Teplah Toomey, gave her.
“Don’t let your current situation define what your future is going to look like,” said Pinkard.
