Erica Payton

Clark Atlanta University Athletics

Title

Head Coach Women's Golf
Email

epayton@cau.edu

Erica enters her first year as head coach of Clark Atlanta women’s golf.

Erica A. Payton is a lifelong golfer, collegiate coach, and passionate leader dedicated to developing student-athletes both on and off the course. With a competitive golf background spanning middle school, high school, and college, Erica has spent her life immersed in the game, building a strong foundation of discipline, leadership, and performance.

Her transition from player to coach began during graduate school, where she spent two years coaching and mentoring student-athletes while refining her approach to player development, team culture, and recruitment. She recently served in collegiate athletics as Assistant Golf coach at Millsaps College, where her coaching philosophy emphasizes competitive excellence, personal growth, accountability, and opportunity.

As a proud HBCU graduate, Erica is deeply committed to expanding access and representation in the game of golf, particularly for young women and underrepresented student-athletes. Her work is driven by a vision to grow the sport through leadership, mentorship, and the creation of meaningful opportunities for future generations.

Known for her high standards, strong relationship-building, and passion for empowering others, Erica brings a dynamic blend of athletic experience, coaching insight, and purpose-driven leadership to every space she enters. Whether on the course, in recruitment, or through mentorship, she is committed to building excellence, shaping character, and leaving a lasting impact.

Outside of her professional work, Erica enjoys spending time with family and loved ones and values the strong personal relationships that keep her grounded. A proud alumna of Jackson State University, she was honored as a member of the 2023 JSU Sports Hall of Fame class and was a 2023 initiate into the Gamma Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.. She is also committed to community service through her involvement with the Junior League. As the daughter of legendary Jackson State golf coach Eddie Payton, founder of the university’s golf program and a multiple conference championship-winning coach, and the niece of NFL icon Walter Payton, Erica carries forward a proud family legacy of athletic excellence, leadership, and impact.