BRONSON — When faced with the tough decision of whether to play basketball or volleyball in college, Bronson's Payton Smith took some time to figure it out.
But instead of having to choose which route she would ultimately follow, the University of Olivet stepped in and gave her an opportunity she could not refuse. Now, Smith will be continuing her academic, basketball and volleyball careers with the Comets.
"In talking with both coaches since my junior year, the day I went on a visit and learned both were interested in me, I was given the opportunity to play both," Smith said. "I knew I couldn't turn that down. I knew i didn't want to be done, I've been playing both sports for a long time, so I wasn't just gonna give it up."
Smith said she estimated playing volleyball for the better part of 10 years and has nearly the same amount of time committed to her basketball career as well.
Olivet had several positives she was able to check off her pro-con list as well.
"It's definitely nice to know that I'm not just done once high school is over. I'm looking forward to both careers not being done," Smith said. "For me, it was a pretty easy decision when I was offered for both. I'm from a small town, it's a small school – that was everything I was looking for, so I'm pretty excited."
This past year, the Comet volleyball team finished with a 13-13 record overall. The hoops team finished the season at 5-20, but both programs are looking to continue to improve with talents like Smith filling out their rosters.
During her high school careers, Smith was a four-year player for both the hoops and volleyball programs at Bronson. The Vikings did quite a bit of winning ...
