Payton Harden

Coach Payton Harden brings extensive NCAA Division I baseball experience and a deep understanding of high-level competition to the Just Dawgs coaching staff. A native of Atascocita, Texas, Payton had a standout career at McNeese State University, where he became one of the most productive and respected players in the Southland Conference.

At McNeese, Payton distinguished himself as a dynamic offensive force and versatile contributor on the field. He earned numerous honors, including 2022 Southland Conference Player of the Year, First Team All-SLC, ABCA South All-Region, and multiple All-Tournament Team selections. His consistency and leadership were recognized nationally, with 2023 Preseason All-SLC First Team accolades entering his redshirt senior season.

On the diamond, Harden’s game combined power, speed, and situational awareness. In 2022, he led the conference in batting average (.378) and total hits (85), ranking among the best single-season performances in McNeese history. He complemented his offensive production with 26 stolen bases, 4 triples, and 40 RBI, while scoring 49 runs and recording 29 multi-hit games. Payton’s ability to impact games in multiple ways — from extra-base hits to aggressive baserunning — made him a consistent threat and team leader.

Payton’s journey in baseball is defined by his work ethic, competitiveness, and passion for helping players reach their full potential. His firsthand experience competing at a high level allows him to connect with athletes and teach fundamentals that are performance-tested at the collegiate level.

As a coach, Payton focuses on developing hitters’ confidence, plate discipline, bat-to-ball skills, and baserunning instincts. His combination of elite offensive knowledge, versatility, and leadership experience allows him to mentor young athletes with a player-first approach, fostering growth both on and off the field.

Honors
• SLC Commissioner’s Honor Roll (2023)
• 2023 Preseason All-SLC 1st Team
• 2022 Southland Conference Player of the Year
• 2022 All-Southland Conference 1st Team
• 2022 SLC All-Tournament Team
• 2022 All-Louisiana 2nd Team
• 2022 ABCA South All-Region
• 2022 SLC Student-Athlete of the Year
• 2022 SLC All-Academic
• 2021 SLC All-Tournament Team
• 2021 All-Southland Conference 3rd Team

2023 (Senior)
• Collected 63 hits to surpass prior program career record (254 at .315)
• Scored 43 runs while driving in 28 RBI
• Stole 25 bases, one short of career high
• 15 extra-base hits: 8 doubles, 4 triples, 3 home runs
• Started all 57 games for the Cowboys
• Career-high 34 walks

2022 (Junior)
• Led the Southland Conference in batting average (.378) and total hits (85)
• Ranked tied for second in SLC with 4 triples, third with 26 stolen bases
• 85 hits tied for second-most in single-season school history
• Started all 55 games
• 2 home runs, 14 doubles, 40 RBI, 49 runs scored
• 29 multi-hit games; four games with 4+ hits
• Career-high 5 hits (5-6) vs. HCU, May 12
• Hit .348 in conference games

2021 (Redshirt Sophomore)
• Appeared and started all 62 games
• Second on team and in conference with 81 hits (#9 single-season McNeese record)
• Second on team with .321 batting average
• Led team and league with 59 runs scored
• First career home run: 3-run HR vs. SLU (4/2)
• 26 RBI, 16 stolen bases
• 12 doubles, 3 triples

2020 (Sophomore)
• Appeared and started 15 games
• .356 batting average, second on team and 8th in league
• 21 hits, 12 RBI, 13 runs scored
• 1 triple, 3 doubles
• 4-for-6 in stolen bases

2019 (Freshman)
• Appeared and started 56 of 61 games
• .294 batting average, 65 hits, 23 RBI
• 8 doubles, 1 triple
• 16 stolen bases, second on team
• Slugging percentage .339
• .961 fielding percentage
• Notable game: 4-for-6 vs. Abilene Christian (1 double, 3 singles, 3 RBI, 1 run, 1 SB)

HIGH SCHOOL – ATASCOCITA HIGH SCHOOL (ATASCOCITA, TX)
• Freshman: Varsity Baseball Gold Glove Award, .265 batting average, .400 OBP, 26 stolen bases; Freshman Offensive MVP (football)
• Sophomore: District Championship team, .280 batting average, .420 OBP, 23 stolen bases
• Junior: 2nd Team 22-6A All-District, Houston Area Junior All-Star, .360 batting average, .580 OBP, 30 stolen bases
• Senior: 1st Team 22-6A All-District (baseball & football), 2nd Team All-Houston (baseball), team captain, .420 batting average, .700 OBP, 30 stolen bases