Rogers State University Athletics

About: Payne returns to the Hill for her second season after appearing in all 26 games as a true freshman in 2013-14 earning her first-career start against East Central. The Verdigris, Okla., native posted 2.3 points and 2.2 rebounds per game while playing 15.2 minutes per contest. She scored a season-best eight points at home against Newman and grabbed a season-high eight rebounds against Mid-America Christian. Payne joined the Hillcats after a successful prep career just down Route 66 at Verdigris High School. A four-year letter winner, Payne averaged 13.7 points, four assists, six rebounds, four steals, and 1.2 blocks per game as a senior in 2012-13. She helped the Cardinals to four 20-plus win seasons and reached the state tournament as a junior and senior. A three-sport athlete for the Cardinals, Payne was an all-state selection in volleyball and basketball while playing on the four-time Oklahoma Class 4A State Soccer Championship team. She was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, First Baptist Church Claremore, Senior Class Officer, and Student Council. Payne has family ties to the Hill as her great uncle Max Oquin was former Oklahoma Military Academy basketball coach and athletic director. Her cousin Elwin Issac also was a history teacher at Rogers State. The daughter of Mike and Stacy Payne, she said she chose RSU because "it's close to home and a perfect fit for me."