Nooksack Valley’s incoming junior Payton Bartl is a 5-foot-6 setter who played a key role in the Pioneers’ volleyball success the last two years. She has played volleyball since fourth grade and also plays basketball and softball for the Pioneers.
Bartl has competed at the state volleyball tournament each of the last two seasons — placing fifth in 2022 and sixth in 2023 — including playing with her older sister Faith when she was a freshman.
“I love sports in general,” Bartl said. “I decided to try volleyball out and loved it. It’s taught me a lot of lessons like not everything is in my control, how to work as a team and enjoy the game.”
After losing a handful of seniors, Bartl will step into a leadership role for a younger squad this season. She is excited to lead the Pioneers because the team already has good chemistry and is focused on finding a new identity.
Bartl believes she can help the team find that new identity by helping her teammates improve daily at practice and providing support on the court.
After falling in the state quarterfinals, Bartl knows Nooksack Valley can return because of its various weapons on offense. Off the court, Bartl will take classes for college credits and enjoys hiking and baking with her friends and family.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
