Key To success: Chino Hills senior Kyra Phaychanpheng’s winning formula in sports and science
CHINO HILLS, Calif. — Kyra Phaychanpheng, fondly known as “Key” is a remarkable 17-year-old senior at Chino Hills High School. While she may appear to be an ordinary student, Kyra balances an impressive list of accomplishments and extracurricular activities that make her stand out from the crowd. Not only is she an exceptional athlete, excelling in basketball, tennis, and track and field, but she is also a dedicated science enthusiast and a determined scholar. She is excited to share her journey, her achievements, her goals, and the driving forces behind her success.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Kyra’s love for sports was ignited at the tender age of seven when she joined a rookie basketball league for the City of Chino. Undeterred by being one of the only two girls on the team, and not getting the ball very much, Kyra’s love for basketball grew. Little did she know that this early exposure would fuel a remarkable career on the court.
“I just love everything about the sport. The competitiveness always drives me to become a better version of myself and continue improving my game. The comradery and closeness between my teammates over the years provides friends and family that I can rely on for the rest of my life, and inspirational coaches that I look up to.
However, Kyra’s ambitions extend beyond the basketball court. After completing her college basketball career at California Institute of Technology (CalTech), she aspires to pursue a profession in environmental engineering, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Kyra’s determination and drive have taken her far, and she is poised to leave a legacy both on and off the court.
Describing herself as a passionate and resilient scholar-athlete, Kyra attributes her success to her willingness to give her all in anything she pursues. This tenacity is evident not just in her sports achievements but also in her academic pursuits. Her routine, from power napping before games to meticulously putting on her sports gear, reflects the discipline and focus that characterizes her approach to life.
Achievements and Recognition
Kyra’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Throughout her high school career, she has amassed a collection of prestigious accolades that reflect her exceptional talent and commitment. Some of her notable achievements just from the 2023 season include being named Most Valuable Player, achieving 1,000 career points, as well as being named a member of First Team All-League.
Kyra’s achievements are not confined to the basketball court. She has been a standout participant in science and engineering competitions, marked by her success as an International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist in 2022. With a string of gold medals at the Regional Science and Engineering Fair (six to be exact) and numerous first-place finishes at the CVUSD Science and Engineering Fair, Kyra has left an indelible mark in the world of STEM. In 2023, she earned the prestigious NOAA Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award, reflecting her impact beyond her immediate community.
Her dedication to science extends to inspiring others. Kyra initiated the STEM Research Club at CHHS, providing a platform for fellow students passionate about STEM to pursue their projects and share their knowledge.
“My favorite subject in school is science. At Chino Hills, as a member and current president of the Health Science Academy, I took as many science courses as I could, ranging from sports medicine and biomedical science to AP Physics and AP Chemistry.”
Beyond the realms of sports and science, Kyra’s commitment to academic excellence has earned her the scholar-athlete award consecutively from 2021 to 2023, showcasing her prowess on the court and in the classroom.
Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Inspiration
Like any successful individual, Kyra has faced her own set of challenges. While external pressures can be tough to handle, it is the internal pressure that Kyra identifies as her greatest challenge. Through her resilience and determination, Kyra has learned to navigate these and has emerged stronger and more determined than ever.
Kyra draws inspiration from her supportive family. Her mother, Chirichan, is a science teacher at Chino Hills High School, while her father, Phonexay, is a first-grade teacher at Los Molinos Elementary. Her older sister, Wynn, and grandmother, Tao, also play a significant role in her life, serving as a constant source of strength and inspiration.
“My sister inspires me to be the person I am today. She has always been my rock and is so mentally strong, I admire her for her perseverance in life despite many ups and downs. She also is so inspiring for always sticking to her true self. I am so grateful I can always confide in her and trust her with everything.”
Kyra’s family has always supported her endeavors and instilled in her the belief that opportunities should be seized, for they may not come knocking twice. This valuable advice from her parents has shaped Kyra’s approach to life and sports.
“Despite those around me supporting me to the fullest, I always place pressure on myself to perform great every game. I have learned to manage this challenge by closing my eyes, taking deep breaths, and focusing on just having fun and playing hard. This helps me have a free and strong mentality.”
As she approaches the end of her high school basketball career, Kyra’s goals for the year are crystal clear. She aims to finish the season strong and set the stage for an even more challenging journey at Caltech, where she will be playing Division III basketball. She reflects on her favorite moment from this season, “It was against Diamond Bar. I was having so many nervous butterflies, but my team played hard and everybody was doing so well. It felt like a dream.”
Beyond Sports: A Life of Creativity and Connection
While Kyra’s love for sports takes center stage in her life, Kyra isn’t all about sports and academics. She has a creative side too! Drawing, painting, listening to K-Pop, and watching anime serve as outlets for her creativity and a means to decompress. “Expressing my creativity through art allows me to destress and take some time for myself. K-Pop and anime allow me to connect with many friends, old and new, and share our common interests through entertainment.” These hobbies provide Kyra with an outlet for self-expression and an opportunity to recharge her mind and spirit.
Kyra is also the president of Chino Hills High’s Club Ed, where she volunteers at a local elementary school to connect and offer mentorship to younger community members.
Mamba Mentality and More
Kyra’s sports hero is none other than the legendary Kobe Bryant. She resonates with the Mamba Mentality, not just in basketball but as a philosophy to apply across all aspects of life. Striving for the same drive and determination, Kyra sees every challenge as an opportunity to excel and learn something new.
Growing up in our community meant a lot to Kyra, and she shares this parting sentiment, “I would like the community to know that I will always love it, as it provided my home and roots. I am extremely grateful to this community for giving me so many resources to become the person I am today.
In the realm of Chino Hills sports, Kyra Phaychanpheng stands out as a shining example of dedication, resilience, and excellence. Whether it’s shooting hoops on the court or making groundbreaking strides in science and engineering, Kyra has proven that her passion knows no bounds. As she looks ahead to her future at Caltech and beyond, it’s clear that this rising star is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the court. Ready to embark on the next chapter of her life, Kyra is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world, blazing trails not only in sports but also in the field of environmental engineering. We can’t wait to see how she changes the world.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.