The Millsaps College men's and women's golf programs announced Erica Payton as their new assistant coach in December 2025.
A decorated student-athlete with local ties, Payton was inducted into the Jackson State University Sports Hall of Fame in the Class of 2023 after excelling during her collegiate career. She carded the lowest college round with a 75 at the 2009 NCAA Regional. She was also a three-time Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship winner with the Tigers in 2009, 2010 and 2012.
She is the daughter of Eddie Payton, who served as the men's and women's golf coach at JSU from 1986 to 2016. Additionally, Payton is the niece of NFL Hall of Famer Walter Payton.
Payton also has been involved with Swing Studio JXN since 2024, where she has served as both the owner and instructor. She is a passionate and committed golf coach there with experience teaching players of various skill levels. She delivered personalized instructions tailored to the unique needs of each student, fostering skill development, technique improvement, and enhanced understanding of golf strategies.
The career journey saw Payton build an extensive background in educational leadership and project management as well. Her previous titles included post-award grants manager at The Kirkland Group (2023-24), community support coordinator at Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy (2018-23) and Director of Athletics at Benjamin Banneker Charter Academy (2015-18).
Payton earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Jackson State University in May 2013, and she went on to obtain her Master of Science in Sports Management with JSU in May 2015. She is also a member of the Junior League of Jackson and was a Chapter President for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at JSU.
