“Payton Verhulst is the best basketball player I have ever coached against. She is a great defender and offensively she can get to any spot on the floor. She’s very willing to share the ball, but she knows when to take control of games.”

Drew Walters

Head Coach Head coach at Mill Valley High

Athletic Excellence

The 6-foot junior guard had led the Stags to an 18-2 record and the Class 4A state tournament at the time of her selection. Verhulst averaged 17.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.5 blocks in the regular season. Captain of the USA Basketball U16 Women’s National Team, she earned MVP honors at the FIBA Americas U16 Championship. Verhulst is a two-time First Team All-State honoree and is ranked as the nation’s No. 8 recruit in the Class of 2021 by ESPN.

Academic Achievement

Verhulst has maintained a 3.70 GPA in the classroom. She will begin her senior year of high school this fall.

Exemplary Character

Also a volleyball standout, Verhulst has volunteered locally on behalf of the Salvation Army, a food bank and youth sports programs.