MatchDay Mustangs - Payton Shoquist

Diving for an opposing attack attempt … the first one with encouraging words after a Morningside University point … a vivacious personality from the word go. 

Many labels come to mind in describing the way sophomore defensive specialist Payton Shoquist conveys her joy for the game of volleyball.

"I just love it," the Mansfield, Texas, native said. "Being with my teammates who are also my friends, being on the court, driving myself to make sure our hitters have chances score points – it's all a part of something I've been a part of for a long time." 

Payton's family got her on the court around age 12, and it didn't take long for mutual appreciation between herself and the sport to grow. While she enjoys the thrill of setting up a point from the back row or being a rotation's vocal leader, her most significant reason for enjoying volleyball is more altruistic.

"It's been an escape when things get tough in life," she admitted. "I can't wait to get on the court, whether it's a match, practice, or just getting together with teammates for fun." 

"I remember going to practices in high school, and it was just such a relief to be there," she added. "The game is so important to me."

Morningside University has also claimed a part of the Lone Star State native's heart.

"(Former head coach Beth) Donnelly saw me play in a tournament in Colorado and talked to my dad about me visiting," Shoquist reflected. "I remember seeing campus and getting to play with the team on my visit and loving every minute of it. I kept my options open initially with my college choice, but I knew I wanted to go somewhere other than Texas – get to know new people, see new scenery, and so on. Morningside has been a great fit for me from the start."

The combination of volleyball and Morningside has paid many dividends for head coach Jessica Squier and the Mustangs. Going into a non-conference clash with Mount Marty on Sept. 21, Shoquist was listed among the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' best in digs. Her total of 338 over 18 matches was within the top 10. She also has a knack for assists and service aces from time to time, sitting among the team's best six in each category.

"From my spot, you have to keep your energy high," Shoquist pointed out. "It all comes down to finding ways to score points – no matter what I do. That can be done in many ways – not letting a mistake get me or others down; encouraging everyone as often as possible; pumping my teammates up on a block, big kill, service ace, no matter what it is – I keep myself as focused as possible on those areas to help the team."

"When I first step into a rotation and coached up about what is expected, I immediately try and see our hitter on the block," she added. "I try not to get too anxious about service receive or getting an opposing attack. You can't overthink when you're on the floor."

While Shoquist enjoys the vocal celebrations and so forth, there's one thing she'd like to try after a point, set, or match win.

"You know I've always wanted to do a backflip," she noted. "I'm usually jumping around when things are going well, so who knows, it might just naturally happen." 

Much like the energy she brings to the sport and campus she loves.