Payton Kmiec '26 Recruiting Profile

My name is Payton Kmiec. I attend Old Bridge High School and I am currently a fifteen year old sophomore going into my junior year. I am a multi sport athlete, playing varsity level basketball since freshman year, varsity level lacrosse and junior varsity soccer. My devotion to these sports has completely transformed not only my physique, making me faster and stronger, but also helping my knowledge of basketball. My court vision has developed, aiding my ability to contribute to the offensive side of the game, not only in points, but also assist. Through my finesse I am able to make right decisions and plays, helping my team get easy, wide open points. 

I would say that a major part of my game is my connection to my teammates. I believe that team chemistry and trust is one of the most important aspects of the game in being able out beat competition. That being said, I feel that one of my best attributes is building my teammates confidence and relationship level. Through such interrelations I am able to understand my teammates comfortability level on the court and distribute the ball accordingly. 

I am a player that lives, breathes, and sleeps through the game of basketball. My whole life is centered around how I am able to improve my game to not only help myself, but also my teammates. Through watching players like Jason Williams and Magic's dimes, to the complete shut down defense and determination of Westbrook, I continue to study their game so I can add to my own. By being a multi sport athlete and studying basketball, I am a very coachable player. I transitioned from being a big man down low, to more of a power forward, and now, finally, a point guard. I believe that every player, in order to leading a successful team, needs to understand how to adjust their mindset and game into helping the overall team and I completely exemplify that. 

While I do strive for perfection on the court, my first steps through my journey is off the court, in the classroom. Success should not only be a part of one person's aspect of life. Through that understanding, I have pushed myself to having straight A's and never getting any less, in all of my school career, and affording me the chance to skip a grade. This has landed me the opportunities of getting into NSHSS, being named the Outstanding Scholar Athlete, and maintaining my 4.752 GPA. My high intelligence sets me a part from other players because I am able to work hard in the classroom while also grasping a greater basketball IQ.

My personality is centered around my want to support fellow women. I feel that women's voices need to be heard, which, in turn, allows me to be a pillar of support for my teammates. Everyone needs a support system, whether they get it from their parents or friends, and I believe that through my constant empowering of my teammates, I am another outlet of encouragement. 

Overall, I am a hardworking player who wants to leave a positive impact on a higher level, on and off the court. My game stems from my deeper connection to my teammates and the confidence I have in my abilities on the court. I believe that I am a figure who not only highlights my talents but also the people around me. If I had to make a comparison to a professional NBA player I would say that I am the Scottie Pippen to Micheal Jordan. I am driven by my determination to become the best version of myself and try to uplift those who surround me because basketball is a team sport. I thank you for reading this and for God always leading me down the best path for my life, and in doing so, watching over me.