Name: Payton Ladson
Sport: Girls Soccer
Twitter handle: @LadsonPayton
Instagram handle: Payton.Ladson
Hashtag that best describes you or your philosophy: #hitmewithyourbestshot:)
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned through Athletics?: Through athletics, I have learned to shake off the bad plays in order to be ready for the following play and also to keep my head in the game.
What are your pre-game rituals?: First, in pregame, I listen to music to get in the game mindset. Then just before the whistle I jump and touch the crossbar and loosen and tighten my gloves 2x.
Who is a player (at any level) you look up to, and why?: Julie Ertz is a player I look up to because she is very passionate and well-rounded in the game, also her level of athleticism is something I strive for.
Why did you start playing soccer and why do you keep on playing? I started playing when I was about 9. I did not expect to like the sport as much I did. I kept with it because I found a love for the game and it was something I could easily comprehend. Ever since then it has always been a big part of my life.
What do you love about representing Penn High School?: The thing I love most about representing Penn high school is being a part of such a great team and phenomenal athletic program.
What advice would you give a freshman about Penn Athletics?: Penn Athletics is a grind, it requires commitment and passion in every aspect of high school whether it’s in the classroom, weight room, or field/ court.
What is your favorite sports movie, and why?: My favorite sports movie is Remember the Titans because it is a good story about team building and overcoming obstacles.
What do you love about your sport?: I love the people I play with and the game itself.
If you can have lunch with any living person, who would it be, and what would you talk about?: If I could have lunch with anyone, it would be Michelle Obama because she is one of my idols. And I would ask her about her life accomplishments and her time in the white house.
What does each win and loss of a game help you in future games?: It teaches me that each game is a different game and how we react to the outcome strongly affects the team. So have a positive mindset and if we lost we reflect on the game and our mistakes. Then the following game we come back even stronger than before.
