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05/18/2022 12:00 AMPayton Root has been a staple in the lineup ever since she started playing for the Guilford girls’ lacrosse team last year. Now a sophomore, Payton has already scored 63 goals for a Grizzlies’ squad that’s in the midst of a 14-game winning streak in 2022.
Payton earned All-SCC First Team honors while helping claim SCC and state titles as a freshman. This season, the sophomore attacker is looking for more playoff success in a sport that’s her become her passion over the past several years.
“I started playing lacrosse in 1st grade because I loved watching my older brother play,” says Payton. “My favorite aspect of lacrosse is the fast pace, physicality, and the creative moves and shots you can create. It’s such a fun sport.”
Payton scored 70 goals to go with 25 assists and 39 ground balls when Guilford won its second-straight SCC title and then captured the Class M state title for the first time last spring. Her 70 goals marked the second most in a season in program history. In her sophomore year, Payton has 14 assists and 24 ground balls to complement her 63-goal total thus far.
Head Coach Wendy Epke describes Payton as a dominant force in the SCC and a constant contributor for the Grizzlies.
“Payton has very strong stick skills and has pushed her teammates to work harder on their individual skills,” Epke says. “Off the field, she’s laid back and makes her teammates smile, but on the field, she’s a fierce competitor that’s always pushing herself and those around her.”
Payton has a strong relationship with Coach Epke. Payton credits Epke for giving her the confidence that she needs to succeed as a lacrosse player.
“She motivates me to always give 110-percent effort in practice and on the field,” says Payton. “She is always encouraging me and supporting me.”
Payton’s rapid improvement can be attributed to her dedication to the sport. Payton plays lacrosse year-round and is always trying to better her skills on the field.
“To improve my game, I practice all of the time at home. Any free chance I get, I am either shooting or doing wall ball,” Payton says. “I also train at XenHouse to improve my speed and strength. Throughout the year, I also play for a highly competitive program based in New York named Prime Time Lacrosse.”
Last year, Payton was selected to play at the Under Armour 150 event for girls’ lacrosse. Payton led her team to a championship and earned some other accolades at the event.
“Not only did my team win the championship, but I personally won the fastest shot out of 180 girls from the 2024 class,” says Payton. “I am excited to have been selected again this year.”
Aside from lacrosse, Payton also plays for the Guilford field hockey squad. Payton was a member of the club that won SCC and Class M state titles during the 2021 fall season.
“Winning SCCs and Class M was awesome for the field hockey team,” Payton says. “A lot of my teammates from the lacrosse team also play field hockey, and it’s a great way to stay in shape for lacrosse season. We had a great year.”
So far this year, the Guilford girls’ lacrosse team has a record of 14-1 with its only loss coming in its season opener. The Grizzlies have one regular-season game remaining before they open play in the SCC Tournament. Payton’s expectations for her team are high as Guilford enters the home stretch of the 2022 campaign.
“The goal for this season is to repeat as SCC and Class M state champions,” says Payton. “The season so far is going great with a record of [14-1]. I am fortunate to have an incredible team. We have both a strong offense and defense, which has helped us continue to win our games.”