Senior Payton Bluemke played in her last home soccer game on December 21st. It was an emotional night for Payton. Being on her home field for the last time was tough “…because I love the energy at our field. It’s a different kind of feeling when we play on our own field.” She explains that “…the game was obviously sad. I love my team more than anything. but it was exciting knowing that I’m moving on to play in college, so it was a mix of feelings.” She was really proud of herself and her team, who brought home yet another win, the score being 2-1 against Mitchell High School. They had been undefeated all season and another win on such an important night was an amazing feeling. There was a ceremony at half time to honor each of the seniors and Payton said, “My mom, my dad, my little brother, some of my old teammates, and my girlfriend all came out to support me, which made me really happy. Walking down the field in the ceremony was a very sentimental moment, because I saw all the girls I’ve been playing with for so long, and I knew that my senior season was ending soon.” It was a night Payton will never forget.

Soccer has made a huge impact on Payton’s life. She says, “I’ve been playing soccer for 11 years. Soccer has been my safe place my whole life. It makes me forget all of my problems or anything that’s going on outside of that field. What motivates me is the amazing girls I get to be around when I’m playing. They keep me motivated at all times.” She has had so much fun playing with Sunlake. She explains, “I love our team. We have such an amazing bond and our team chemistry is unmatched.” Payton is “…going to Columbia College in South Carolina to continue playing soccer.” She is extremely excited for her future playing the game. As a final message to her teammates, Payton would like to say: “I love you girls so much. You have made my high school journey like no other and I couldn’t have asked for a better group. You’re all so talented and I know you guys are going to kill it next year!”