Payne Lounsbery '21 Recruiting Profile

I am entering my junior year at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach, California. I am 16 years old, 6'0”, 165 pounds and have a 94”reach.  I will graduate in 2021. I am enrolled in a rigorous college preparatory program and will have completed ten AP courses by graduation. Currently I have a 3.75 unweighted GPA.

I am entering my sixth year of playing competitive club volleyball  - two years in Las Vegas on a co-ed team (Summerlin Volleyball Academy), two years with Long Beach Volleyball Club (14s Gold and 15s Gold), last year with Pinnacle Athletic Club (16s) and this year with Pinnacle Athletic Club (17s).. Last club season, my team was a very competitive team in the open division at the Boys Junior National Tournament in Dallas, Texas. In the previous two years, my club teams narrowly missed open bids for the Boys Junior National Tournament and won the silver and bronze medals in the club division. In 2018 BJN, I was an all-tournament selection. 

I also play for my high school team, Long Beach Wilson. In both my freshman and sophomore seasons, I started on the varsity team which placed second in league both years. Additionally, I led my team in several stat categories and I received post-season honors as 1st team all-conference and team MVP both years. Recently (June 2019), I was named to the Press Telegram Dream Team for Boys Volleyball as a sophomore and in December of 2019,  I attended the USA Boys Youth Holiday Training Camp in Poway, San Diego. In summer of 19, I participated in the USA Beach A1 program and my partner and I finished 5th in the international tournament.  Beginning in winter, I spend lots of time playing beach volleyball. Recently my 16 year old partner and I earned a Men’s B rating. Our goal is to earn a AA rating by the end of this summer. 

I have the ability to play multiple positions. My primary playing experience has been as a setter, in both 5-1 and 6-2 offenses. I also play opposite and outside. Perhaps one of my most distinguishing skills is my jump serve which has been clocked at speeds over 60 MPH. I also have a very high VB IQ, good ball tracking, and quick reaction which enables me to find and get to difficult balls to make a play (e.g, deflections off the block).  

As a player, I am very driven. My goal is constant improvement. As a setter, I am focused on running a quicker and more strategized offense, including back row offensive tools. As a hitter, I am working on improving my vertical jump, approach mechanics, and varied shot selection. As a player,  I’m constantly working on maintaining a strong mental attitude, finding ways to support my teammates success, and strengthening my leadership skills.