Payton Smith
Rightly or wrongly, major life events these days only seem to become official once social media has its say.
So, track back to early January when Payton Smith scrolled upon the Oregon State University Track and Field program’s Instagram and the potential promise of her future.
“It was so cool seeing the comments and congratulations,” Smith said. “Quite an ego boost and real motivating as well.
“Now it’s real.”
Smith is scheduled to graduate in a few months and head to Corvallis in the fall, where she plans to study bio-tech science and languages. Chances are she’ll add to an impressive personal resume regardless of what happens next on and off the track.
“Payton is an outstanding young lady, very genuine and she loves to run,” said West coach Antonio Wyche. “She’s real self-driven and one of those kids who doesn’t want to take days off.”
A longtime soccer player, Smith finished fifth in October’s ASAA Division I cross-country running state championships to help lead the Eagles to a fourth-place finish. On the track, she’s eager to improve on last season’s performance. She posted second-place showings in both the 1,600 and 3,200 meters at the Cook Inlet Conference meet before grabbing fourth and fifth respectively at the state meet.
“A girl can dream, I definitely want to win a state (track) title,” said Smith, who celebrates her 18th birthday in April. “But a few Top 3s and taking home some PRs (personal records).
“Those are secret goals, by the way.”
At the 2021 state meet, Smith turned in a 1,600 personal-best time of 5 minutes, 13.72 seconds. Entering this season, she’s ramped up training, bumped up her mileage and said she’s ready to go.
West’s Payton Smith in front of the pack.
Smith definitely seems like a kid you can count on. She’s currently enrolled in five college-level AP classes and has spoken fluent Russian since age 5. In August, Smith joined two fellow West classmates and athletes as part of the National Security Agency’s (NSA) High School Work Study Program.
Specific job details are classified, but Athena Clendaniel (baseball), Sam Drews (hockey) and Smith are part-time NSA employees. They’ve also been earning academic credits.
“I’ve been quite lucky,” Smith said.
Smith also squeezes in volunteer math tutoring at Northern Lights ABC School in between working, training and studying. She was recommended by teachers after parents of young female students inquired about ways to improve in the classroom. She tutors about three hours a week.
“I like to think I’m making a difference, and that obviously feels good,” Smith said. “I’m hoping they’ll eventually become the role models girls can look up to, and kind of switch roles with me.”
Wyche wasn’t aware of Smith’s tutoring but was not surprised.
“Hearing what Payton does and is doing really warms the heart,” Wyche said.
Smith considers the Powerline Pass trail in Chugach State Park her local favorite.
“Gorgeous with mountains everywhere,” she said.
Payton Smith shares a moment with her father, Colby
While OSU promises its own scenery and terrain, Smith won’t complain if trail workouts at college aren’t quite as elevated and hilly. She’s determined to put her best foot forward, work hard and do what’s asked of her.
Smith will do so with her hometown running right beside her.
“I’m definitely thankful for the (Anchorage running) community, more than anything,” Smith said. “Everybody is so encouraging – they deserve a little shout-out.
“Such super positive people and super supportive.”