Payton Zodrow’s love for softball has been deeply rooted in her family since childhood. “My dad’s love for the game of softball inspired me to play,” said Payton. From an early age, she immersed herself in the sport, and what started as a shared passion with her father soon became a way of life. “He [her dad] is a perfect example of a competitor. He teaches me how to be a good person and how to overcome obstacles both in sports and in life. He makes me want to be the absolute best I can be.”
Now 16 years old and a student-athlete at Keys High School, Payton has embraced every aspect of the game. “I fell in love with pregame dances, chants in the dugouts, bus rides, all the eye black and everything softball is about.”
More than just a player, Payton serves as a leader on her team, both vocally and by example. “I would say my specific role on the team is not to be the most talented player, but to be the leader. I keep my team hype, I lift them up after a mistake, and just my overall attitude and work ethic,” she explained. That leadership is supported by countless hours of dedication, including extra work outside of regular practices. “My sister and I come to the facility on our own time and hit, play catch and field ground balls.”
Despite her passion for the sport, Payton has faced adversity. One of the most challenging moments in her career was dealing with a knee injury that sidelined her. “The hardest part about being injured is knowing that there are people out there getting better while you can’t be,” Payton recalled. Her perseverance through physical therapy and dedication to recovery allowed her to bounce back stronger.
One of Payton’s most memorable moments came last season during regionals when her dad, also her coach, was ejected after a bad call. “I threw her out when she tried to steal on me. My dad then yells from the parking lot ‘ball don’t lie!’” It’s moments like these that shape Payton’s love for the game.
Looking ahead, Payton’s ambitions extend beyond the field. “I see myself attending college for sports medicine and playing college basketball,” she said, continuing her pursuit of excellence both in sports and in life.
