More often than not, college upperclassmen dread hearing this question:

"What are your plans after graduation?"

It is a straightforward question but may not always generate an immediate answer. Traditionally, after obtaining that diploma, most graduating seniors become overwhelmed with the thought of figuring out the next stage of life. The college grind is quite time consuming, and those four or five years can breeze by more quickly than preferred.

Ask around, and most will likely concur that planning for true adulthood is pretty bittersweet. Decided career pursuits also may vary, and settling in or on a career may be burdensome, depending on who you ask. But if you come across Peyton Bowman of Western Illinois volleyball, she will provide a clear answer. Set to graduate in this month of December, the senior middle hitter recently wrapped her athletic tenure and already has a job lined up.

Good news for her friends and loved ones -- she will be sticking around right here in Macomb.
 

Welcome to Western!

Before officially donning the Purple and Gold, Peyton enjoyed two years at Carl Sandburg College in nearby Galesburg, Illinois, where she was an absolute standout on the court. From 2018-19, she recorded 1,094 career kills while posting a striking .493 hitting percentage. Peyton took home several accolades for her efforts, including honorable mention all-America, all-region player of the year, all-conference MVP, and second-team all-American honors.

After finishing up junior college, Peyton knew in her heart that she'd like to be back home. Describing her journey to Western as a "bit unexpected," the Sciota, Illinois, native can recall a conversation that sealed the deal back in the spring of 2020.

"I contacted Coach (Ben) Staupe and we talked about some things," she explained. "It turned out he wanted me to join his program. So, that's mainly how I ended up on the team, but I was planning to attend Western anyways. I feel like I would have been a Leatherneck no matter what."

Getting the best of both worlds with the school of her choice and more volleyball opportunities, Peyton settled into the remaining spring 2020 semester before heavily contributing to the team during her first season in 2020-21. Starting 15 of 17 matches as a junior, she led the team in hitting percentage (.302), which was good for fourth-best in the Summit League. Additionally, Peyton ranked first on Western in both solo blocks (12) and assisted blocks (40).

During that first year in Macomb, Peyton credits some familiar alumni names in helping her grow both on and off the hardwood.

"When I first came here, I was pretty shy and hesitant. A few of the seniors we had last year, like Cassie Hunt and Abby Knoop, helped me come out of my shell and become more of a team leader. That goes for off the court too. With the girls we've had on this team, they pull the best out of you, and I feel like that is extremely helpful."

Arriving back for a second go-around in 2021-22, Peyton again stood out at the middle position. Named a preseason 'Summit League Player to Watch,' she once again led the Leathernecks in blocks (112.0) and was second on the squad in kills (205) and hitting percentage (.282).
 

Business decisions

Studying in the university's highly-touted agriculture program, Peyton has focused on agricultural business for the last two years. She credits her upbringing as a primary reason for her interest in the field.

"So, I grew up on a farm and never really had a dream job. I just knew I wanted to stay in agriculture. Coming to Western and majoring in Ag Business allowed me to learn more and decide what I want to do.

"As a general concept, I personally feel most people know more about agriculture than they think, as it relates to the real world in many different ways. For example, you can use basic mathematical skills in ag business."

Peyton's path in the world of agriculture has her ready to begin immediate work with Compeer Financial in the incoming weeks. The organization has an office located in Macomb, where she will start her post-Western days. Getting that right-out-of-the-gate opportunity traces back to this past summer.

"I did an internship with them, and I was training for a crop insurance position. The person who previously held the same position ended up retiring, and the job was offered to me right after graduation."

Peyton can smoothly explain the profession with a grin for those who have not the faintest clue of what 'crop insurance' entails.

"Crop insurance is basically like any other type of insurance. If a crop, such as corn, gets damaged in weather, farmers have insurance over it because they primarily make money through crops. Over at Compeer, I'll have to handle paperwork, meet with clients, and be an associate officer. It should be fun."
 

Local living

One may ask Peyton why she ultimately sought out work within the area of Macomb. Her answer is both simple and relatable.

"My family basically lives within this entire county, and I'm the type who cannot leave the family. It's something I've always big been on, and it's easier for me to stay around here. I don't think I could see myself leaving too far from the area."

Most will side with family being everything. Having fallen in love with crop insurance since the beginning stages, Peyton also pictures the career as one she plans to stay within for a lengthy amount of years. However, at some point down the road, do not be surprised if you find her reuniting with the sport she once starred in.

"Later in life, I would probably be interested in being a volleyball coach. That would be cool to do, regardless of what level it is. For right now though, I want to focus on crop insurance."

With set priorities and a levelheaded mentality, Peyton displays the aptitude to go quite far in any path she stumbles across after departing from Western. The future is quite bright, and local folks will surely be rooting for her in the meantime.

Before she got away, the famous question had to be asked …

"In your own words, what does it mean to be a Leatherneck?"

"I feel being a Leatherneck is something you can be extremely proud of. The entire athletic department is filled with many people you can rely on and trust, which is a big thing to have. Not every college may have the bond we have among coaches and student-athletes. I've made some great friends and am proud that I was able to become a Leatherneck with the volleyball team we had!"