Heading into the postseason, the Notre Dame volleyball team is one win away from recording a seventh-straight 20-win season under one of Southeast Missouri’s top head coaches Meredith Brinkmeyer.
Luckily for Coach Brinkmeyer and the Bulldogs, they field not only strong senior leadership and a diverse group, but also the type of player that generates a lot of excitement and respect from her opponents: junior middle blocker Payton Lynch.
Over the past two seasons, Lynch has been one of Notre Dame’s top leaders in kills, total blocks and aces. Honestly, name the statistic and Payton is probably near the top.
“Payton is one of those players that’s going to give it 110% — she wants the ball in her hands, and you can really tell that, especially when she gets a free ball and calls what she wants,” Coach Brinkmeyer said. “She’s a fun player to watch, and her hits go straight down. She’s a shorter middle for people that she’s up against, but she handles her own affair both hitting and blocking.”
This stems from the fact that volleyball is all that Lynch wants to do as she started playing in grade school after watching both of her older sisters play.
That was an experience that has helped mold Lynch into the person she is today.
“Watching them play in high school growing up inspired me,” Lynch said. “They looked like they always had fun, and it was just so energetic. I was pretty young, so I don’t remember much, but it was just really fun to watch.
“I just love the game — that’s what motivates me. I really like getting that kill — that ‘one’ feels really good. Like a power hit — that’s my favorite.”
Outside of being one of Southeast Missouri’s top players with her vast skillset, Lynch has become quite the leader for Notre Dame.
The electric atmosphere of volleyball that Payton remembers from watching her older sisters plays has turned into her wanting to always have an uplifting attitude.
Whether it’s celebrating a big play or just being there, Lynch makes an impact for the Bulldogs in where it matters most.
“I think I have a good next-ball mentality,” Lynch said. “Sometimes people try and get down, but we have to keep each other up. It’s our job to help each other.
“I think that my teammates trust me to lead, and I really appreciate that because we all trust each other. Some people might not trust their teammates, but I feel like we do. That helps us to be more successful.”
While Lynch has yet to personally capture Notre Dame a district championship as a starter, she’s certainly keeping the Bulldogs rich history of volleyball going.
Last fall, Lynch recorded more than 300 kills and 50 total blocks on the year to be a first team All-SEMO Conference and Class 4 District 1 All-District selection.
The best part? Lynch is doing so with people who matter to her.
“I love representing my school as best as I can,” Lynch said. “I like doing that with my friends because some of my best friends are on this team, so it’s just really enjoyable for me.”
Outside of starring for Notre Dame, Lynch is also a powerhouse for Pursuit 17 National along with some of the other top talent in the area, like two Division-I commits in Jackson setter Avery Brune (Missouri State) and Saxony Lutheran outside hitter Kinley Couch (Lindenwood).
Not only does Lynch and her teammates face some of the top players across America, but Pursuit practices alone have equally, if not more, pushed Payton.
“It’s really challenged me in practice — Pursuit makes me better every day because most of my teammates are so talented,” Lynch said. “The training is really intense, but it’s really good and has helped me become better overall.”
Coach Brinkmeyer has also had plenty of college volleyball players like Rylee McClintock, who went D-I to Little Rock, suit up for her.
Brinkmeyer certainly sees the characteristics of someone like Lynch to play at the next level as well.
“It’s her mindset — no matter what drill or game, she’s wanting to do better every play,” Meredith said. “If she makes a mistake, she wants the next ball. That’s what you want to see in college players is they’re not afraid to make a mistake. She wants to do anything and everything she can to win.”
Funny enough, Lynch will likely face off against Couch in the Class 3 District 1 Tournament, which the Bulldogs earned the No. 2 seed for as they sit at 19-12-3 overall.
Three of Notre Dame’s losses have already come at the hands of the Crusaders, but if Notre Dame and Saxony meet up for a fourth time this fall, it will be for the district title on Tuesday.
“Playing them has definitely helped us see what we can do better to beat them,” Lynch said. “I’m looking forward to hopefully playing them again. I feel like we keep getting better each time, like sticking with them. I’m excited for next time.”
