UofL Signee Payton Verhulst Named A 2021 McDonald’s All-American

UofL signee Payton Verhulst has been named to this year’s McDonald’s All-American All-Star game. The McDonald’s All-American game will not be played this year due to the Coronavirus, however all players will be honored virtually.

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— Louisville WBB (@UofLWBB) February 23, 2021

The 6″1 guard and Kansas native by way of Bishop Miege High School, is the 12th ranked player in the country by ESPNW Hoopgurlz. Verhulst was named the KS Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2019-2020 season. She averaged 17.8 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.7 apg, and 2.5 bpg which led to her being recognized with that honor.

Payton Verhulst joins players such as: Shoni Schimmel, Bria Smith, Sarah Hammond, Asia Durr, Ciera Johnson, Dana Evans and Hailey Van Lith as Louisville players who were ranked in the top 15 according to ESPNW Hoopgurlz.

Next year Verhulst will join Olivia Cochran, Hailey Van Lith, Elizabeth Balogun, Kianna Smith and Elizabeth Dixon as McDonald’s All-Americans on the Louisville roster. She will bring scoring and defense to the Cardinal backcourt.

Coach Walz has now signed 15 All-Americans in his time at Louisville and 13 in the last 8 years.

To read more about Verhulst and her recognition as a McDonald’s All-American, read UofL’s press release below:

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT:

Louisville Signee Payton Verhulst Named McDonald’s All-American

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 23, 2021

On the Web: http://uofl.me/3siZSxa

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville women’s basketball signee Payton Verhulst has been named a McDonald’s All-American.
 
The 44th McDonald’s All American game will not take place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic after consultation with health and safety experts. Instead, the 48 players (24 boys, 24 girls) will be honored virtually.

“These young men and women are so special and have accomplished remarkable feats over the past four years,” said Joe Wootten, McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee Chairman. “It is our honor to continue investing in and supporting the next generation of basketball stars.”

Verhulst – a 6-1 guard from De Soto, Kansas, comes to Louisville ranked No. 12 overall in the 2021 espnW HoopGurlz rankings.

Olivia Cochran, Dana Evans and Hailey Van Lith were all named McDonald’s All-Americans prior to signing with Louisville.