Personal Statement
My passion for soccer started when I was young and a freak accident in our driveway of me breaking my foot changed my life forever. Since I couldn’t play forward anymore due to the boot I had to wear, my coach asked my parents if I could “sit” in the net and be our goalkeeper. Whether it was a good idea or not I’ll never know but my parents bought my first pair of GK gloves, and I never looked back. Ever since then the drive to stop shots from getting into the net has been my passion ever since. I love every second of the game and how my position and performance helps my team.
My focus in the beginning was and always is still the basics of the position. I am a constant communicator on the field and truly believe I can help any team I have the privilege to play for by not only my presence on the pitch but my leadership and most importantly just being a great teammate.
My drive to play now comes from being surrounded by positive role models and the goals I set for myself both big and small. Those goals include on-field accomplishments and in-school achievements. I have been lucky enough to be mentored by some of the best women players in the world at my position and I have seen firsthand the level of commitment it takes to play at the highest level, and it is what I want for myself someday. Although I haven’t decided on what to major in yet, I do know that getting my degree and doing well in school is my first priority and feel lucky enough to have soccer to compliment that goal.
I thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to playing at the next level.
Payton Griffin
Class of 2025