Payton is a reliable defender. She communicates well on team defense while off the ball fielding cutters and dealing with picks. She is excellent at ground balls and makes hustle plays. Her field vision is good as she reads her opponents well and capitalizes with key interceptions. Payton has good defensive positioning and clean checks to create multiple turnovers. She will continue to improve upon her defensive footwork to have a quick first step and stay with shifty players in 1v1 defense. Her talents carry over on the offensive end with middies run where she can also contribute with goals and assists.