Payton Frank, a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, has found a way to balance playing two college sports while excelling academically. Frank plays for both the women’s soccer team and the softball team. Her journey to becoming a dual-sport athlete began long before college.
Deciding to Play Soccer and Softball at College
Originally, Frank only planned to play soccer at Pitt-Bradford. She had always loved the sport, and her decision to play college soccer was a major one. After spending time with the soccer team, she decided to commit to the program. However, after her successful first season, she began thinking about adding softball to her college career.
Despite the challenge of balancing both sports with her academic workload, Frank reached out to the softball coach and was given the opportunity to try out. She made the team, and now she’s completing her first season of softball while managing her second semester.
Family Support and Strong Work Ethic
Frank’s mother, Tina, shared that Payton’s drive and competitive nature have been evident since childhood. From gymnastics to soccer and softball, Payton has always been a multi-sport athlete. Tina said that Payton’s ability to manage a busy schedule, including school, sports, and work, has always impressed them.
Payton’s accomplishments, both athletically and academically, include finishing her first semester on the Dean’s List and receiving an AMCC Academic All-Conference Award for both soccer and softball. Her mother expressed pride in Payton’s hard work and determination.
Strong Presence on the Field
Payton’s soccer coach, Lorenzo Rodriguez, noted that her speed, athleticism, and competitive spirit set her apart from others. He praised her explosive energy, which elevates the performance of her teammates. Payton’s relentless effort on the field, whether sprinting past defenders or chasing down loose balls, has made her a key player on the team.
Beyond her physical abilities, Rodriguez emphasized Payton’s uplifting attitude, saying she is fun, genuine, and a positive influence on the team.
Early Sports Involvement and Lifelong Passion
Frank’s passion for sports began even before soccer and softball. She started with gymnastics, which helped her develop a love for competition. Payton fondly remembers the friendships she made in gymnastics and the fun moments she shared with teammates.
In addition to gymnastics, Payton has competed in soccer, softball, track, volleyball, and bowling since the age of five. She explained that soccer appealed to her because of its team aspect and competitive nature, while softball became special to her due to her father’s involvement in the sport.
Mental and Physical Challenges of Sports
Payton enjoys the challenges of both soccer and softball. In soccer, she plays multiple defensive positions, while in softball, she plays the outfield. For her, the constant drive to improve and learn from each experience is what makes the sports so rewarding.
She believes that sports push her to go beyond her limits and achieve things she might not otherwise be able to. Her drive was especially evident when she scored her first three goals in a game against Keystone College—something she hadn’t done before in high school when she played defense.
Overcoming Challenges with a Competitive Spirit
Frank believes that playing against boys during her youth helped her become a better competitor. She explained that boys are often faster and stronger, which motivated her to work even harder. She relished the challenge of keeping up and competing at their level.
In both soccer and softball, Frank enjoys the mental challenges that come with the game. In soccer, she appreciates the need for teamwork and mental toughness. In softball, she enjoys mastering the techniques required to succeed. She believes these sports have shaped her into the person she is today.
Balancing Sports with Academics and Personal Life
As a forensic science major with a concentration in biology, Frank’s schedule is full. She is able to manage her time between her studies, sports, work, and hobbies. Payton enjoys activities like hunting, baking, and spending time with friends. She also enjoys relaxing moments, such as watching movies or trips to Dairy Queen.
Despite her busy life, Payton finds time to reflect on the advice she’s received over the years. One lesson that stands out is the idea that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
Adjusting to the College Sports Level
Playing college sports has been a new challenge for Payton, who noted that the pace and talent level are much higher than in high school. She has adjusted to early morning practices and more intense physical training. However, she finds the sense of camaraderie among college teams to be one of the best parts of the experience. Even if teammates don’t always get along, they always support each other.
Looking Ahead to the Future
As Payton wraps up her first year at Pitt-Bradford, she reflects on the memories she’s created both on and off the field. From scoring her first hat trick in soccer to her team’s trip to California for softball, Payton has many moments to cherish from her first season. She’s proud of how she’s pushed herself in both sports and continues to strive for success.
