Sequoyah Claremore junior forward Channing Rue still remembers the goal that changed everything. As a seventh grader, she buried the first goal in Sequoyah’s middle school girls soccer history and heard her coaches yell from the sideline, “Channing, you just made history.”
That moment helped shape Rue into the winger and striker the Eagles rely on today. Soccer has taught her that hard work can take a player a long way and that teamwork is a skill that matters far beyond the field. The sport has shown her that her body is more capable than she once believed and that she can push through difficult stretches when games or seasons get tough.
Rue said one of her favorite parts of wearing Sequoyah’s colors is the bond she shares with her teammates. No matter what the final score is, she knows they will be there to lift each other up after a tough loss. She takes pride in competing alongside players who have put in countless hours to reach this level and loves being able to say, “Darn right that’s my teammate,” when she sees them succeed.
The Eagles standout credits several people for helping her along the way. She points to high school computer teacher Mrs. Keathley, who she said connects with students in a way that makes learning bearable even after a long day. Rue also looks up to her older brother, a recent graduate who has already built a career as a firefighter by setting a goal and chasing it.
On the field, teammate Ariya Patel has left the biggest impression by quietly pushing Rue to be more confident and hardworking while sharpening her ball skills. Rue’s mindset is grounded in advice she carries into every practice: It is your body versus your mind, and the mind is what tells you to quit. She thanks her parents and coaches for pushing her to continue playing when it got rough and finds inspiration in soccer legend Pele, whose story reminds her to keep getting back up.
