Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Payton Olszewski, Regina Dominican basketball

Payton Olszewski is a senior guard for the Panthers. She is the team leader in assists and also plays soccer for Regina.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

One thing I have to do before every game is just go and be by myself for a little bit — like go and shoot or get in a good workout or just be by myself. Also I have this one thing: I need my Stanley (cup) at every game and if I don’t, I think it’s going to be bad luck. And there’s my orange shoelaces too. 

2. What are your plans for next year?

I’m not too sure. I do want to go to college to play basketball or soccer and I’m going to be majoring in business. That’s all I know right now. 

3. What is your dream job?

Maybe a photographer. I am really interested in photos and stuff. I’m in yearbook. I’m intrigued by taking photos and looking at them. 

4. If you could play another sport, what would it be?

Football. I always wanted to play football ever since I was a little kid. It always seemed so fun. When I was a little girl, there was one girl (at school) who played football and I always looked up to that. Seeing my brothers play (at Notre Dame College Prep) too. It’s always been a big thing in my family. 

5. What is your favorite thing to do off the court?

I really like to just work out. Just go for a run. And then also one thing I enjoy doing is anything with crafts. I love to take up sewing and just create random things. 

6. Who is your favorite athlete? 

Steph Curry (NBA-Golden State Warriors). He’s my favorite. Just seeing him on the court, he’s serious when it comes to basketball and he has this side that allows him to get goofy but he’s still able to focus. I think that’s pretty cool. 

7. What would be your last meal?

Honestly, probably a good steak dinner. Steak and maybe some fries. I do love me some fries. (Raising) Cane’s fries with their sauce and maybe lemonade with their ice. 

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

My go-to at Walgreens is definitely a Celsius. I always go and get one. Right now I like the peach mango green tea one. 

9. What is something people don’t know about you? 

I’m an open person. This might be a little known, but I am really competitive. I compete in anything, even like a little school thing or just walking to a spot. It’s always in my mind that I have to compete.

10. Your senior year and you guys are off to state. What has this season been like? 

It’s been really great. It’s also been hard. This is the time we really do have to lock in and focus, when we’re pushing each other the hardest. It’s also an emotional time for me and the other senior Maddie (Witchger). It is our last season and we made it this far. It’s nice in school, everyone gassing us up because it’s been 20 years (since Regina advanced to state). It’s nice and I feel like we’ve now created this special team that I haven’t felt with another team. 

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