PV Rise
Basketball

Payton Verhulst is a former college basketball player who competed at the University of Oklahoma. Originally from DeSoto, Kansas, she was raised in a competitive sports environment and developed a deep love for the game at an early age. She attended Bishop Miege High School, where she received a strong academic and faith-based foundation and played for one of the top girls basketball programs in the country, under one of the best coaches. During high school she was part of several state championship teams and earned national recognition as a McDonald’s All-American and a Jordan Brand Classic invitee.

Payton began her college basketball journey at the University of Louisville, where she competed at the highest level of Division I basketball and grew tremendously as a player and person. After transferring to the University of Oklahoma, she embraced a fresh start with a renewed sense of purpose, both athletically and personally. At OU she continued to compete at the Power 5 level, contributing to a program with a strong new culture alongside some of the best staff in the country. She recently earned a master’s degree in Education, Administration and Curriculum Supervision while balancing life as a student-athlete, and will be a kindergarten teacher at HTS.

Beyond the court, Payton is passionate about leadership, mentorship, and building confidence in the next generation of female athletes. Basketball has given her more than wins and losses; it has taught her discipline, resilience, humility, and faith. Her identity is grounded in Christ, and she strives to use her platform not just to perform, but to positively influence others. She would love any chance to give back to the community that blessed her with so many opportunities, and alongside her family and friends, she believes she can do that by offering young basketball players the same chance she was given.

Ashton Verhulst brings high-level playing experience, a strong educational background, and a deep passion for mentoring young athletes.

A DeSoto, Kansas native, Ashton grew up immersed in basketball, developing her skills as a “gym rat” from a young age. She played her high school basketball at Bishop Miege, one of the most respected programs in the state, and competed on the AAU circuit with the Eclipse (now MOKAN), where she gained valuable experience and exposure.

Her hard work and dedication earned her a full scholarship to play Division I basketball at the University of Central Florida. During her four-year college career, Ashton was known for her toughness, leadership, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. She graduated with a double major in Health Sciences and Kinesiology, giving her a strong understanding of athletic performance, injury prevention, and physical development.

After graduation, Ashton continued her journey in basketball as a graduate assistant for the women’s basketball program at the University of Central Missouri, which deepened her understanding of player development from both a performance and coaching perspective. She now works as the Director of Admissions at her alma mater, Bishop Miege High School.

Back in the KC area, Ashton is excited to give back to the game that shaped her. She is passionate about helping young female athletes grow in skill, confidence, and character, both on and off the court. Her goal is to inspire the next generation to love the process, build strong habits, and become the best version of themselves through the game of basketball.