A native of Zionsville, Ind., senior Payton White has had volleyball in her future long before her arrival on The Plains.
Payton and her two sisters, Sloane and Kendall, grew up in the gym, running around the court, playing with Bratz dolls and watching games since their earliest years.
"All three of us played other sports when we were little, but then we all fell in love with volleyball," White said. "Now, I've been playing this sport since I was six. I've played competitively since I was eight."
Each sister would prove to be more talented than most girls their age, and eventually, Sloane and Kendall would both go on to play volleyball at the next level at the College of Charleston and Penn State, respectively.
Following in her older sisters' footsteps, White looked to take her skills to the collegiate game.
Having never heard of Auburn before, she initially refused to consider continuing her career on The Plains.
"My dad actually made me come to Auburn and visit. Once I was here though, I knew from the moment I stepped foot on campus that I wanted to come to school here. I have never wanted to be anywhere else throughout my four years."
While at Auburn, White has found her stride and made a name for herself along the way.
A three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree and Auburn's single-match record holder for digs with 37 in a five-set win over Butler, she has been nothing short of a great representative of the program.
Though off the court, White is known as the team's most notorious shopper and recently become a new "plant mom" with her roommate.
With several high moments during her career, her favorite memory came way back during her freshman campaign during a trip to Puerto Rico.
"We beat UNC, a team that was ranked #11 that preseason," White said. "We won both matches while we were there, and we honestly weren't supposed to win any. We were all so ecstatic and that trip was so amazing. I was a freshman, so I was really excited and soaking in every moment, and had so much fun the entire time."
Looking ahead to her senior season, White is grateful for the chance to play volleyball and eager to grow under new head coach Brent Crouch.
"This new coaching staff will have a huge impact on us this season," she said. "The improvement I've seen over two months has been insane. Because of that, I think we will play better volleyball, have much stronger team communication and a more thorough way of operating. I wish I could have another year under him (Coach Crouch), but I think he's doing a great job of setting a standard early and creating a winning program."
After the completion of her final season, White wishes to be remembered by her teammates "...as a leader and a friend on and off the court. I want them to see that I always wanted to be better, so they want to do the same.
"I want to help set the standard and build a strong team dynamic to start this staff's first year," she added.
Upon graduation, White will leave Auburn with a degree in management and a double minor in entrepreneurship and marketing.
"I want to move to Birmingham, Chicago or Nashville and find what I want to do in one of those cities," White said. "I know that they are full of opportunity, and I would love to experience life there for a few years."
While she has enjoyed her time on the court and in the classroom, White is excited to become an official alumna and carry on the traditions of Auburn no matter where life may take her.
"I am definitely going to be one of those parents who brags that they graduated from Auburn and takes their kids to the games and watches football with them every Saturday
"No matter where I move to in the United States, I will still remember Auburn and what it means to be a part of the Auburn Family," she said.
White says that no matter where you may find her, whether it be walking through an airport or shopping for her next outfit, she will always be glad to give her fellow members of the Auburn Family a loud and enthusiastic, "War Eagle!"
