As Payton McIntyre has sunk her teeth into the sport of soccer, she has cultivated an internal sense of competitiveness that has never ceased to exist in her body and soul. The no quitter mindset has carried her very far in her lengthy career on the pitch, and she is now ready to embark on a new journey and responsibility with Valley Regional.

Payton essentially grew up on the soccer field when it came to her introduction to sports. From there, it was all systems go, and she never looked back. She started at a young age at 4 years old and has still not taken her foot off the pedal, or the ball for that matter.

As she also plays on a club team year-round, her no-offseason mentality and relentless work ethic has netted her an appointment as a captain for the Valley Regional girls’ soccer squad this season. Payton has been at the forefront of the squad as a defensive center midfielder.

“I love the friendships and bonds you make with the players through the sport. I am a competitive person, so I like the team aspect and being able to compete and both win and lose as a team,” says Payton. “I am a very determined person, and so I am always practicing soccer outside of games and practices with my teams. Through playing club soccer, I have gotten to see so many different players and playing styles that have shaped me.”

As defensive midfielder, Payton does float between both ends of the pitch. She is drawn to the solo battles between her opponents on the turf. Yet she also shows her selflessness for the squad by being equally attracted to doing the little things to help the Warriors win.

“I love being in 1-v-1 scenarios because it gives me a chance to show off my skill,” Payton says. “I also think that defense is a part of the game that is overlooked because it involves doing things that do not show up in the score sheet. It can be hard playing in the center of the field. You are facing pressure from every direction, and it can be hard to scan the field.”

Payton puts everything in a calm perspective when things go awry. She counters it by looking at the positive elements of her efforts, and she explains that the physical lifestyle of a soccer player is one that never stops, so she adjusts her mind to acclimate to the climate.

“It is important to me to not put myself down after I make mistakes and get too upset,” says Payton. “Because when I do that, I can overlook all the good things that I do. I know you have to keep going, and so I just put myself in the mindset to move on and learn from it to fix it.”

Sight before receiving the ball and what to do with it are some strong assets in Payton’s arsenal on the pitch. She is always looking to better herself, however, and Payton proclaims that she wants to think more like an offensive player.

“I feel I have a very good vision of the game and the field, along with playing the ball through the lines,” Payton says. “One thing I think I can improve on is having more of an attacking mindset. I want to be more supportive to the team in the attacking third of the field.”

Payton does not shy away from the spotlight as a younger captain than her Shoreline Conference counterparts. She is locked in and focused on making every one of her teammates across the spectrum feel right at home when they suit up for the Warriors.

“I was very honored to be named a captain, especially as a junior,” says Payton. “I want to be inclusive and inviting of the whole team with all players from each grade. I just want to be a positive leader to everyone, never put people down, and help them learn and enjoy the game.”

Valley girls’ soccer Head Coach Lloyd Warren explains that Payton has already shown evidence this year of why she earned her leadership role. She is someone who can outright set the pace of play of a game, while off the turf, she has an inspirational impact on her colleagues.

“Payton has truly stepped up as a leader this year, earning her captaincy as a junior. Her commitment to the game is evident in her full-year dedication to the game, making her an invaluable asset to our team,” says Warren. “As a central midfielder, she displays impressive skill and vision on the field, effectively controlling the tempo of the game and supporting both defense and offense. Her work ethic and determination inspire her teammates and contribute greatly to our team's overall performance. I'm excited to see how she continues to develop as a player and a leader.”

Valley embarked on a deep playoff push last year with a youthful bunch in fighting all the way to the state tournament quarterfinals. Payton explains that considering those factors, a group one year wiser and much more battle tested has amazing potential.

“We are hoping to qualify for both the Shoreline Conference and state tournaments. We also want to compete hard against any team we face this year,” Payton says. “We had a very young team last year, so now we have an opportunity to grow more. We know the game and each other more than last year. We also have a better understanding of each other off the field.”