University of Texas at Dallas Athletics

In his final season with UT Dallas, Payne bolstered the Comets’ retooled backfield in 2009. He earned All-American Southwest Conference recognition after playing in all of UTD’s 19 games, starting each one. Payne is just one of six Comets to log over 3,000 career minutes.

One of the hardest workers to pass through coach Jack Peel’s program, Payne scored his first—and second—collegiate goal in 2009. He will pass the torch to a number of experienced defenders in 2010.

In addition to his role on the soccer field, Payne was an active member of the UTD Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

2009: Scored two goals and doled out two assists, totaling six points…played and started in all 19 games…named to the All-ASC Second team along with fellow defender Billie Dixon.

2008: Made 13 starts and 17 overall appearances while battling injuries…integral part of a defense that posted 12 shutout wins and gave up just 1.02 goals per contest.

2007: Played in all of the Comets’ 21 games on an ASC Championship team…assisted on two goals.

2006: Earned playing time in 19 games as a freshman, including six starts.

HIGH SCHOOL: Was an All-District and Academic All-State athlete at Tomball HS (Tomball, TX)…also ran cross country and played football…was a member of the National Honor Society.

MAJOR: Biochemistry