Q&A with Payton Marker

<p>Following a successful Junior year, Senior setter Payton Marker is heading full throttle into her final high school season as she hopes to get back to the state tournament. </p> <p><strong>1.What are your goals heading into your senior season?</strong></p> <p>My goal for this season is to become a leader that sets a tone for a successful season. I want to be easily relied on to create a positive team culture. We have goals to make it far into the postseason, but to make it there, I am going to take it upon myself to be a role model as a senior.</p> <p><strong>2. How did last years season go for your team and you individually?</strong></p> <p>Last year was unbelievably successful and fun. We won the section tournament and got 5th place at the state tournament. We all had our minds set on going to state from the beginning of the season and were willing to do whatever it took to get there. It was amazing to finish on such a high note, especially since we were about to graduate seniors that gave so much to the program. Individually, I used my experience from my sophomore year to bring me to my junior year. I ended up running a 5-1 offense for the last half of the year, which improved my blocking, experience, and leadership.</p> <p><strong>3. How do you feel you have evolved from freshman to senior year as a player and as a person?</strong></p> <p>As my years of playing have gone on, my composure and experience have improved. In the beginning of my high school volleyball career, I was not used to the speed and intensity of a South Suburban Conference level match. Going into my third year of varsity volleyball experience, I have learned from past mistakes and successes. I plan to have them shape me into a senior leader that I will need to be for the team. Now I know what it takes to win important games, but also how to bring out the best in each player. I'm better at running the floor and making smart setting decisions.</p> <p><strong>4. Who or what has inspired you the most throughout your volleyball career?</strong></p> <p>My parents, teammates, and coaches have all inspired me throughout my career. Whether it is encouraging words from my parents, or needing to prove myself to coaches, many people have inspired me to become better. My teammates push me to be the best version of myself because I am always trying to be a reliable person on the court for them. My coaches have helped my decision making processes and have always held me to the highest standard possible.</p> <p><strong>5. How did you end up playing for Northern Lights? What made NL the right choice for you?</strong></p> <p>I started playing for Northern Lights 14s year because I wanted to play at the highest level I could. The Northern Lights practices are not far from Shakopee and the club was recommended by players there. Teammates that I have had so much fun with over the years have drawn me to come back to the club for the past four years. Coaches that I have had in the past still care about me as a person to this day. I love how everybody that I am surrounded by has the same competitive spirit and love for the game that I do.</p> <p><strong>6. Is volleyball your sole commitment, or are there other athletics/activities that you’re involved in? If you’re a multi-sport athlete, how do you feel that helps you overall as a young athlete?</strong></p> <p>Along with high school and club volleyball, I also play high school and club softball. Playing both sports has made me a better athlete because it has given me an immense amount of valuable experiences to lean upon. In softball, I am a pitcher, which means I am constantly involved and in control. Being a varsity pitcher since my freshman year has forced me to rise to the occasion from a young age. It has helped me deal with pressure and composure. My sophomore year, my team earned our way to a state tournament appearance. Having a state tournament under my belt gave me the experience I needed to help get our volleyball team to state the following season. I feel very blessed to be able to compete at a high level in both sports I am involved with.</p> <p><strong>7. When it comes to support, who do you feel are your biggest supporters and how have they motivated you to be the competitor that you are today?</strong></p> <p>My parents are my biggest supporters and have always gone to great lengths to make me the athlete I am today. In the springtime, I have an extremely busy schedule. I go straight from softball to volleyball and have barely any time for schoolwork. They help me manage my time wisely and give encouragement during stressful times. When preparing for a big game, they always know what to say and have always supported my goals. They are just as competitive as me and they fuel me to do my best.</p> <p><strong>8. What fuels you to play at the collegiate level?</strong></p> <p>I love volleyball so much that I can’t imagine my career being over so soon. Most of my extended family played college sports as well as my parents. My dad played tennis at the University of Minnesota- Duluth and my mom played softball, basketball, and soccer at St Olaf College. They both want me to play in college because of their positive experiences.</p> <p><strong>9. Have you committed to playing anywhere at the collegiate level? Do you plan to?</strong></p> <p>I have not fully committed anywhere yet, but I am hoping to commit soon.</p> <p><strong>10. What are some things that have impacted your playing career thus far, positively or negatively? (i.e injuries, coaching changes, switching positions, joining club volleyball, moving, etc.)</strong></p> <p>Switching coaches whether it is changing club coaches, or going from club to high school, has definitely impacted my playing. Each coach has been different and has wanted a variety of things from me. Adapting to those needs has made me a better player because I have gained perspectives from multiple experienced coaches. Putting everything together has made me a more coachable athlete.</p> <p><strong>11. What advice would you give to the underclassmen as you enter your last year of high school volleyball? What will you miss most?</strong></p> <p>Appreciate people around you that are trying to make you better. I would also encourage taking everything in and enjoying the moment. Sadly, the moments do not last forever and go by very quickly, so soak them in while you can. I will miss playing with some of my closest friends in front of a rowdy crowd of peers.</p>