Athletes Of The Week: Claire Denton

Despite the hectic nature of balancing three sports, Spring Creek’s Claire Denton learned how to balance the three different sports, and she’s never stopped loving all three.

Denton, who plays tennis, runs track, and is a cheerleader, said she loves what each sport brings.

“My favorite sport is probably cheer because I’ve cheering forever. I do it competitively and at school, but track is probably the most fun,” Denton said.

Denton started cheerleading in fifth grade, and it did not take long for her to fall in love with both the sport and her teammates.

She is naturally an upbeat person. Denton loves how cheer brings everyone together, and it is why cheer resonates with her so much.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this season was different for various reasons, but Denton was glad she and her teammates got the opportunity to cheer on the Gators.

“We couldn’t go to any away football games,” Denton said. “We couldn’t compete, and that’s probably one of my favorite things.”

Denton is also an asset to the track and field team for many of the same reasons. She competes in the high jump, long jump, and triple jump and recently won first place in all three events at East Central 2A Conference meet.

Denton played soccer her freshman year, but she realized soccer was not for her. Her coaches recommended she try track and field.

“I’ve really enjoyed it (track and field), and I’ve never expected myself to go to states my first year doing it, and I’ve just improved more and more, and I’ve grown to love it,” Denton said. “I just love it. I love pushing myself to get better and better.”

Over on the tennis courts, Denton plays in the No.1 singles spot, which is impressive considering it is Denton’s first year playing high school tennis.

She has tennis courts in her neighborhood, and she would play tennis with her brother, who played tennis. So, her coaches recommended that she also play tennis.

“It’s also been a journey. It was something else,” Denton said. “The coaches really pushed me to do all these sports, and they help me with everything, and they help me grow.”

Her competitive spirit makes her a valuable asset for the Gators, and she is always prepared to use everything she has learned to keep improving.

Outside of sports, Denton works at Mimi’s Boutique, is a youth representative at her church, is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society, HOSA, dances in Kinston, and is a part of the drama club at North Lenoir High School.