Payten Edgar is an eleventh-grade student-athlete at Carney who competes in both baseball and basketball. He brings consistent effort to the mound, the batter’s box, and the basketball court. Known for his work ethic and focus, he has built his game around steady improvement and competing the right way, no matter the situation or opponent.
Payten is driven by doubters who fuel his desire to improve each day. He credits his eighth-grade basketball coach as the first non-family mentor who built a strong relationship with him in sports. He also looks up to Jarren Duran for being open about the mental challenges athletes face, something Payten relates to as he develops his own mindset.
“I’m motivated by knowing people expect me to fail, and I use that to prove them wrong.”
Career highlights include a 12-strikeout no-hitter in his season opener and a go-ahead two-run home run in the fall. Both moments reflect his ability to perform under pressure. Still, Payten values the work behind the scenes more, focusing on learning from mistakes and using every game as a chance to improve his skills and overall approach. Those experiences continue to motivate him to stay prepared for big moments in every season and competition.
In practice, he enjoys competing most against Lane Ramsey, who matches his intensity and pushes him daily. Their rivalry keeps training competitive. Payten also highlights Garrett Webb as an underrated teammate who sacrifices for the team, whether laying down bunts or making diving plays in center field that often go unnoticed.
Outside of sports, Payten is involved in powerlifting, FCA, and school leadership. Balancing college-level classes with athletics requires discipline, especially staying on top of schoolwork during the day to avoid late nights. Representing Carney means more than winning; it is about setting an example of effort, character, and how someone from his community carries themselves.
