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Payton Atkins - Women's Soccer - University of Kentucky Athletics 25

PaytonAtkins

  • position Defender
  • class Senior
  • Hometown Cincinnati, Ohio
  • High school Turpin
BIO Stats
2017 (Junior): Scored first goal of the season off a long-range set header vs. Lipscomb … Missed the Tennesse match after a left shoulder setback against Lipscomb on Sept. 15 … Very technically gifted for a CB … Will advance forward on corner kicks and long-range sets … Sat out the Western Illinois match with general body soreness and fatigue … Shoulder was re-injured vs. Loyola-Chicago and did not return in that match.

2016 (Sophomore): After third shoulder surgery and full recovery and rehab sessions in offseason, injured shoulder in second day of preseason participation … Returned to the field after being cleared vs. Northwestern on Aug. 28 … Re-injured it at South Carolina and now has a new brace for it and is cleared for contact … Was expected to be a starting centerback in preseason … Will play CB or a deep holding MF role … Scored in first-career start in 2015 off a corner kick at Tennessee late in the season … Started first match of 2016 as a centerback against Mizzou … Played 1,000th career minute at Arkansas in 2-1 win over No. 9 ranked Hogs. 
 

2015 (Freshman): Extremely technical player … Good at finding the open player and making the simple pass to keep possession … Has appeared in every match this season … Recorded first shot on goal from a corner kick at Florida off a header … Scored first-career goal and point at Tennessee off a corner kick.
 

Pre College: Played her club soccer with Lauren Nemeroff for Kings Hammer Academy in Cincinnati … Native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and comes to Kentucky specializing in defense … In her time at Kings Hammer Academy, Atkins was named to the ODP Regional Team from 2011-14 … OSYSA State Cup Champ 2008-9, and 2011-13 …   Named Boca Interregional Member from 2012-14 … Member of ODP All-Star Team in 2014 … At Turpin High School, named 1st team All League from 2011-13 and 1st Team All City in 2013 … Off the field, received All Southwest Academic Award from 2012-14 and Turpin Academic Award from 2012-14 … The daughter of Brandon and Britt … Plans on majoring in pharmacy in the fall semester.

Atkins’ Q&A

What person from history would you like to have lunch with? Martin Luther King Jr.

Who is your favorite athlete that doesn’t play soccer? Steph Curry

What was your favorite TV shows growing up? 7th Heaven, The Brady Brunch, Saved by the Bell

If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? The ability to fly

What song is currently now playing on your iPod? American Oxygen by Rihanna

Who was your favorite player to watch at this summer’s World Cup? Becky Sauerbrunn- incredible consistency

What’s your go-to movie? Moneyball

What is something that really annoys you on an everyday basis? When people lick their fingers loudly after eating

What country would you want to live in if you weren’t an American citizen? Switzerland

What player on the team is the best follow on Twitter? Becca Callison

What is one food that there is not enough money in the world that you would try? Any animal organ

What would your teammates be surprised to know about you? I am weirdly afraid of vomiting

What is your most prized possession? My charm bracelet containing a charm for every birthday since I was born

What is your favorite word to use when talking about people, good or bad? Interesting

What is your guilty midnight snack? Popcorn

How many pair of shoes do you think you own without looking in your closet? 25

What station is always on your TV? Is Netflix a channel?

Do you have an iPhone or Android? iPhone

Who is the smartest person you know? My younger brother, Cole

Who is the funniest player on the team? I’m not sure yet but Zoe Swift seems funny

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