Xavier “X” Payne has a clear goal for his senior year at C.K. McClatchy High School. He wants to win league and follow it up with a section title. The Class of 2027 athlete plays forward for the varsity basketball team and competes as an outside and opposite hitter for the varsity volleyball team.
Payne earned MVP honors as a freshman and made varsity as a sophomore. He counts last year’s league-clinching win against DCA among his biggest accomplishments. Just as memorable was the fun he had with his teammates along the way.
“Our basketball team is coming this year and I’m rocking with my boys till the end,” Payne said. “Same goes with my volleyball team.”
After high school, Payne hopes to attend college and compete in either basketball or volleyball. He’s passionate about both sports and draws motivation from the time and effort he’s put into each.
Payne puts school first. He carries a 3.8 GPA and credits his dad with keeping him focused in the classroom and pushing him toward a 4.0. His faith is another source of motivation. When asked what drives him, Payne pointed to his relationship with God.
For Payne, senior year is a chance to raise his GPA, compete for championships and finish his time at McClatchy alongside the teammates he’s proud to play with.
