Girls Track: Stanford recruit Lindsey Payne brings a winning attitude to Hilltoppers

Glenbard West senior Lindsey Payne has eight individual all-state medals between girls track and field and cross country, including the 2016 Class 3A state championship in the 3,200-meter run.

Three are for finishing second.

“I wouldn’t change it for the world because it keeps me humble and realize why I’m running. I’m running not for winning but because I love the sport,” Payne said. “The main thing I’ve learned is my identity is not as a runner, but running is such an amazing part of my life.”

Payne always brings a winning attitude that will continue as a student-athlete at Stanford. In girls cross country, she’s among only three four-time, top-five state finishers in 3A, AA or one-class history dating back to 1979.

But Payne also knows and celebrates other Hilltoppers’ accomplishments – sometimes more than hers. She’s regularly among the last to complete practices.

“As much as we’ll miss her talent and what she contributes in that way, we’ll miss her leadership probably more,” said Glenbard West girls cross country and track distance coach Paul Hass. “You really saw that last year in how she brought in [sophomore multi-state champion Katelynne Hart] and was a great mentor. She’s so positive in how she supports the team.”

Payne’s second place in the 3,200 to Hart last spring is the most satisfying. Payne was seeded to finish fifth. She later was seventh in the 1,600, also won by Hart. They contributed to the Hilltoppers’ first team state championship.

“That was the most thrilling and heartwarming experience, something I can share forever and ever with the team and coaches,” Payne said. “What made it more spectacular was it came out of nowhere. There was not even a thought in my head we could win state.”

Payne twice finished second at state cross country, including to Hart in 2016. Payne was fifth last November despite a hip injury.

Partially to encourage younger Hilltoppers, Payne is meticulous about every workout – and training alongside teammates rather than solo.

“When we say a mile cooldown, she’ll have her GPS watch and it’s 1.0 mile, not .98,” Hass said. “She might drive her teammates crazy that way sometimes, but one of the most coachable athletes I’ve ever had.”

“I like to do everything because I know it’s only going to benefit me. I credit my accomplishments to five percent talent and 95 percent hard work,” Payne said. “Track is not an individual sport. I credit all of my success to that camaraderie. My teammates make me laugh, smile, cheer me up. That sounds no fun being alone.”

As a freshman, Payne juggled cross country and traveling soccer until postseason. She took fifth at state, even though the back of her shoe was stepped on moments into the race. She played varsity soccer as a freshman before switching to track full-time.

“I’m glad I did that just to finish off my soccer career,” Payne said.

Now Payne balances a rigorous academic schedule. While Payne said junior year brought a greater workload, senior year has been harder academically and conceptually.

The effort contributed to another big triumph in October. Payne was accepted to Stanford -- her dream school. She plans to study astrophysics or writing.

“I cried when I found out. It was cool because literally it was like a dream coming true,” Payne said. “I’m somebody that really goes after something I want, which can be good and bad. I like to push myself and really shoot for the stars. My favorite quote in the world is, ‘What if you fall?’ The other person is like, ‘Oh my darling, what if you fly?’ I don’t like to limit myself.”