2025 Commit

Congrats Payton Whalen on your commitment to continue your academic and athletic career at the University of South Carolina!

Payton has been playing with RVA for the last 3 seasons as an outside. This past season, Payton and her team finished 4th in the AZ Region, and made an appearance at the USAV Girl’s Junior National Championships in the National division. 

Over the last 3 years, Payton has made 3 appearances at the GJNC, as well as finishing 2nd overall in 16 Open at Triple Crown and 1st in 15 Open at the Far Western National Qualifier. She has also had multiple top 10 finishes in the AZ Region Championships. 

Payton is a 4-year varsity athlete at Centennial HS and has been named captain all 4 years. She has contributed over 500 kills, 50 blocks, and 200 digs to her programs success. Centennial has made an appearance in the 5A State tournament the last 3 seasons. Payton was named to the 5A Northwest All-Region 1st team in 2023.

Choosing to play volleyball at the University of South Carolina was an easy decision for Payton for several reasons. First, the strong sense of community and team culture really stood out. From the moment she stepped on campus, she felt welcomed and supported, not just by the volleyball team, but by the entire athletic department. The dedication to both academics and athletics here aligns perfectly with her goals as a student-athlete. Payton wanted to challenge myself at a high level, and USC’s program offers the perfect balance between elite competition and personal development.

The coaching staff also played a huge role in her decision. Their emphasis on developing not just better players, but better people, made Payton realize that this was the right place for her to grow both on and off the court.

Lastly, South Carolina felt like home. The energy, the fans, and the overall Gamecock spirit made it clear that this is where she belongs.

Payton plans on double majoring in Pre-Nursing and Pre-Medicine.

Her favorite memory has to be the team Mario Kart tournaments during qualifiers. As competitive as they are on the volleyball court, it’s nothing compared to how intense things get when we’re battling it out in Mario Kart. Everyone’s in it to win, and the rivalry gets serious! There’s always a ton of trash talk and some heated moments, but it’s all in good fun and just shows how much they push each other, whether it’s in the game or on the court. Those tournaments were such a big part of the team culture—they kept our competitive fire burning, even off the court, and always brought the girls closer together.

Payton’s advice to younger athletes starting out in volleyball is simple: have fun and enjoy the journey. It’s easy to get caught up in winning, rankings, and performance, but at the heart of it all, you have to love the game. That love is what will carry you through the tough practices, the long seasons, and any setbacks you might face. Make sure you’re playing because you enjoy it, and let that passion fuel you every step of the way.  Confidence is key, too. Believe in yourself, even when things get hard or you feel like you’re not progressing as fast as you want. Trust the work you’re putting in and know that every challenge you overcome is making you stronger. Surround yourself with a support system who lift you up, and don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes—that’s how you grow.  Most importantly, remember that this sport is a journey, not a race. Celebrate the small victories, laugh with your teammates, and don’t forget why you started playing in the first place. The friendships, the memories, and the lessons you learn along the way are what make the experience truly special.