For Stigler senior Payton Mecom, leadership is more than just a role—it’s a responsibility she’s embraced. “My personal goal is to be a good leader and just lead my young team by example,” she said. With a strong season at the plate, batting .391 with 27 hits, including two home runs, five doubles, and two triples, Mecom has set the standard through her play as well as her mindset.
As the season has progressed, her team has started to settle in and find its identity. “I would say as the season has progressed, we’ve definitely got more confidence,” Mecom said. That confidence has transformed Stigler’s approach to games. “The biggest improvement I’ve saw from my team is we’re not playing scared. At the beginning of the season, we were a little timid.”
Big goals are within reach, and Mecom believes her team is taking the right approach to chase them. “Some of our goals are playing to our best ability, going to supers then going to state. I think we’re working on achieving them by taking it one game at a time,” she said. The key to that success? Chemistry. “I would say our biggest strength right now would have to be our team chemistry.”
On the field, Mecom controls the outfield from her spot in center. “When I’m reading a defense, I always look for the shift and if their outfield is on the fence or not,” she said. Preparation is critical to her success. “I prepare myself by getting my reps in and staying pretty into the season. I hit almost every single day and take my reps in practice serious.”
Her mindset stays steady no matter the stakes. “My mindset when I step onto the field is to control what I can control and play to the best of my ability,” Mecom said.
Looking ahead, she hopes to leave more than just stats behind. “I hope that the legacy I leave is to always give your 100% and always be a good teammate.”
For Mecom, the memories go beyond numbers, too. “My favorite memory from Stigler would have to be beating Lone Grove my sophomore year at Owasso,” she said. After graduation, Payton Mecom plans to continue her athletic career while perusing a career in radiology.
