Peyton Hull’s journey to become SoCon standout

Samford women’s soccer has had a successful run throughout the SoCon season so far, and for goalkeeper Peyton Hull, every save represents more than just simply keeping the ball away from the net. It represents the years of hard work, an unexpected journey to Division I soccer and a love for the game that started at an early age and continues to shape her both on and off the field.  

Now a redshirt junior, Hull has become a very important part of the Bulldogs’ success, leading the Southern Conference with eight shutouts this season so far, with her latest coming from Saturday’s game against Tennessee Tech, where she recorded three saves in Samford’s 2-0 victory.  

Hull’s journey in becoming one of SoCon’s standout goalkeepers started early. 

Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Hull began playing soccer at just 3 years old. Although her original plan was to score goals rather than prevent them, her coach decided to place her in the net from the beginning.  

“I just got stuck being in the goal,” Hull said. 

For years, Hull never imagined playing soccer at the Division I level, but she eventually found a passion for being a goalkeeper.  

“It’s the best job ever,” Hull said. “The adrenaline rush I get from being a goalie is awesome.”  

The path to becoming a collegiate athlete presented itself during her junior year of high school when a chance to play at a Butler University soccer camp led to an invitation to play in an Elite Clubs National League Tournament. After the first weekend of competition, Samford’s coaching staff expressed interest in bringing her to Birmingham.  

“My life kind of changed literally in a span of 24 hours,” Hull said.  

Even though her first season at Samford was spent on the sideline as a redshirt, Hull used that season to learn and grow as much as she could before she stepped back onto the field.  

“It was nice to have a mentor above me and to sit out for a season and watch and learn how to lift and learn the pace of the play of college,” Hull said. “Even though I was definitely disappointed as a freshman, it literally became the biggest blessing ever.” 

In 2025, she earned second team All-SoCon honors after recording 11 shutouts and 86 saves while helping the Bulldogs secure 13 victories.  

One of Hull’s most memorable moments as a goalie came this August when Samford traveled to her hometown to face then No. 2 Notre Dame. With family, friends and former coaches in attendance to cheer her on, Hull recorded eight saves in a scoreless draw.  

“It was the coolest thing ever. Having eight saves and shutting out no. 2 Notre Dame was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget,” Hull said.  

Despite her individual accomplishments, Hulls said that her biggest priority this season has been shifting her focus towards the team’s success rather than striving for personal recognition. 

“There was a moment early this season where I was like, I cannot worry about those things and need to just worry about how I can help my team win,” Hull said.  

Beyond the field, Hull credits her teammates, coaches and faith for shaping her into the person she is today. 

“I literally love my teammates, all of them are my sisters,” Hull said 

 As an education major, she hopes to become a teacher and potentially become a coach after her playing career. 

“I just don’t really know who I would be without [soccer],” Hull said. “It raised me.” 

As Hull continues her journey with the Bulldogs, her message to younger athletes is simple and motivating: Remember why you started playing.  

“I will just remind [them] that you play soccer for fun. It’s not for anyone else,” Hull said.  

Starting out as a baby, earning an incredible and unexpected opportunity to play Division I soccer, and now a leader in the Bulldog’s goal, Hull’s journey reflects perseverance, dedication, gratitude and pure heart for the game that has been there for her throughout her whole life.  

Samford fans can catch Peyton Hull in action this Thursday as the Bulldogs face UNC Greensboro in their White Out game at Shauna Yelton Field at 6:00 p.m. CST.