NCAA Division III Week - Student Spotlight: Payton Gormley

BRYN ATHYN, Pa. - April 5-11, 2021 is NCAA Division III week. Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with Division III to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community. 

Payton Gormley is a junior dual-sport athlete for women's soccer and lacrosse. Gormley is from right down the road in Huntingdon Valley, Pa. where she attended Abington Senior High and played soccer and lacrosse. We caught up with Payton to learn more about her and her experience as a NCAA Division III student-athlete.

Question 1: What do you love the most about being a Division III student-athlete?
I love being a D3 athlete because I love the competition but not all the pressure as other divisions. I can focus on my education just as much as sports and be successful in both. 

Question 2: Why did you pick a Division III school and why did you pick Bryn Athyn? 
I choose a D3 school because I did not want my athletic career to end, but I needed to zone in more on my schooling. Bryn Athyn is a small college close to my home town with small classes, which is something I am not used to. It just seemed like the best fit for me. 

Question 3: What is your favorite non-athletic event done here at Bryn Athyn College?
My favorite non-athletic event would have to be the "Fall Ball" we usually do in the fall. A lot of students gather and we can take pictures and dance and make new friends!

Question 4: What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete?
My favorite memory as a student athlete had to be our first lacrosse game this year (2021). It has been a rough year with Covid-19 and everyone showing support and us getting the win after a whole year without sports was just an amazing feeling. 

Question 5: What song is playing on repeat for you right now? 
Street Runner-Rod Wave is on repeat for me right now. 

Question 6: What is your favorite food? 
My favorite food would have to be Italian food. I love eating good. 

Question 7: You are going on a 12-hour road trip with one teammate or coach, who are you choosing and why? 
A teammate I would take with me would be Paulina Storck. We already do everything together so it wouldn't be anything new. A coach I would take with me is probably Coach Bill O, he treats me like his daughter so I know he would take care of us. 

Question 8: What are the advantages you have seen from being at a Division III school? 
An advantage of being at a D3 school is being able to juggle everything: sports, school, work, and social life. I see my other friends at D1-D2 schools and see how stressed they are and I feel blessed to be able to do everything i want to do without any sacrifices. 

Question 9: Who is your favorite professor or staff member at Bryn Athyn and why? 
My favorite professors are Grant Schnarr and Kelly Ballard. They're both super relatable and understanding. I know i can count on both of them for anything i needed even if it didn't relate to school. 

Question 10: What are your plans after your graduate from Bryn Athyn? 
After college I want to get my masters and doctorate and travel a bunch before buying my own house.