The following is the latest installment in an occasional series about the progress of local student-athletes who have gone on to succeed at the next level in their college careers.
BERLIN- After a stellar high school career, former Stephen Decatur three-sport standout Payton VanKirk made an immediate impact as a freshman at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County this season.
VanKirk started 12 games and played in 14 as a freshman at UMBC this season and quickly became an integral part of the Retrievers’ offense. She scored 13 goals and contributed two assists for 15 total points as a freshman. During the Retriever’s season-ending loss to Albany in the semifinals of the American East Conference tournament last weekend, VanKirk scored one of UMBC’s three goals.
VanKirk was a three-sport standout at Decatur, lettering all four years in lacrosse, soccer and basketball. She helped lead the Seahawks to a state championship game appearance in her senior year in 2015 and the state semifinals in 2014. She was named to the U.S. Lacrosse Academic All-American team and All-American Honorable Mention in 2015. VanKirk was also a recipient of the Presidential Community Service Award and a member of the National Honor Society.