By Derrick Smith

There are times in an athlete’s career when they will face negativity and criticism. It is at this moment when the athlete will have to decide to do one of two things. They will either listen to the criticism and let it get them down or they will use it as motivation.

Wichita Northwest High School’s Payton Benoit says that she lets the negative talk become a weapon for her to use on her path to becoming a better athlete and person.

“I don’t think I can say that one person has influenced me the most,” she said. “The first thing I thought when I read this question was a group of people. The ones who have left a negative stamp on my life are the ones that have pushed me and transformed me the most into a better more hardworking and focused one.”

Benoit is a junior at Northwest, where she plays libero on the volleyball court and attacking midfielder on the soccer field. 

Payton says it is a great feeling when the work that you put in has finally paid off. 

“My favorite moment as an athlete would be last season,” she recalled. “Our volleyball team won substate. That season was very challenging with COVID-19 and the constant fear of our season being taken. We were also the underdogs that year and we came out and swept our rivals, East High, and it felt so good.”