Ask an Athlete: Payton Couture, WBB

Payton Couture is a senior guard/forward on the Plattsburgh State women’s basketball team. She has had a standout career, but solidified herself in the history books when she reached the 1000 point milestone Jan. 25 against New Paltz. 

The hometown hero hails from Redford, N.Y., and has been a contributor to the team since day one. In her freshman season, Couture led the team in total points with 271, averaging 10.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. 

Couture kept her foot on the gas the following season, earning 21 starts and putting up a season-high 20 points against Wesleyan as a sophomore. 

The accolades began to roll in during her junior season Couture was named to the All-SUNYAC Third Team and was named SUNYAC Athlete of the Week twice. She was second on the team in both points and rebounds, averaging 13 and 6.7 respectively. Couture led the team in assists with 2.6 per game. 

Now, twenty games into her senior season, Couture is averaging 13 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, putting up a season-high 24 points against Buffalo State Jan. 11. Couture has started in all 20 contests. She is currently ranked fourth in the conference in defensive rebounds in SUNYAC games with 85. 

This question-and-answer was conducted over text with Payton Feb. 11. 

Question: How does it feel to have reached the 1000 point milestone in your senior season?

Answer: Reaching the 1000 point milestone I am very proud of myself. I definitely felt a weight lifted off of my shoulders once I hit it. I was putting a little bit of pressure on myself until I accomplished this. Although the goal seems more of an individual accomplishment it truly is a team accomplishment. I would have never been able to reach this milestone if it wasn’t for the teammates I have had the past four seasons here at Plattsburgh State. 

Q: What’s your favorite part about being local to the Plattsburgh area and competing for Plattsburgh State?

A: My favorite part about being a local athlete here at Plattsburgh State is that my family attends all the home games. 

Q: What has been your favorite moment from this season so far?

A: My favorite moment from this season so far would have to be hitting my 1000th point. 

Q: At this point in the season, the team already has more wins than last year as a whole. How does it feel to be making a playoff push this time around?

A: It feels really good making a push for the playoffs. Throughout my entire career here I have never made it. I’m happy that I am getting the chance to do it with this group of girls.