The Flour Bluff Athletics Hornet of the Week is Payton Baklik. Payton is a Senior leader on the Lady Hornet Basketball Team, where she is an All District Honorable Mention player. She is also a four year Varsity Track and Field athlete for the Lady Hornet Track and Field Team. Payton is First Team All District and First Team All South Texas in the Shot, and she is the 2021 District Champion and Regional Finalist in the Shot Put. In addition to her outstanding athletic accomplishments, Payton is also a vital member of the Flour Bluff Sports Information Team. She will continue her athletic and academic career at Texas A&M Kingsville. A lifelong Hornet, Payton is the epitome of the Hornet characteristics of Class, Pride, and Heart.
What do you enjoy most about playing this sport?
The thing I enjoy the most about basketball is that we are all a family, and no matter what happens we are always there for each other. Also, another thing I enjoy is the competition– whether we win or lose, there is always a lesson to be learned. The thing I enjoy most about track is how we challenge each other even though we know that we are going to end up competing against each other, and no matter what we always are supporting each other throughout are successes and defeats.
Do you have any pre-game/match/meet rituals?
One thing I always like to do before any basketball game is listen to country music and have some quiet time to prepare myself for the upcoming game. Before any track meet, I always like to find my luck shot put while listening to country music, and sometimes I like to annoy my coach about any worries I have.
What is your favorite class?
My favorite class –I would have to say is Sports Media because it offers me a chance to work with photoshop and photography.
What are your plans after graduation?
After high school, I will continue throwing shot put at Texas A&M Kingsville, and I plan on majoring in Sports Business and Management as well as getting a minor in Coaching.
Do you have a favorite quote you live by?
My favorite quote to live by is, “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” — Coach Chadwick, Texas A&M Corpus Christi Girls’ Basketball
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is anything Italian.
Is there anything else to add?
I would like to let all my coaches know I am very thankful for all the support you give my teammates and I, and thank you for always pushing me to do better even when I start to overthink.