Three Daviess County High School seniors are taking their athletic talents to the next level, signing to compete in college sports while pursuing academic goals.
Carter Payne, a four-year varsity standout on the Panthers’ soccer team, signed with Spalding University in Louisville. Payne said it’s a dream come true after years of hard work.
“It’s definitely been a very big accomplishment of mine,” Payne said. “It’s always been a goal since I was a kid to go and play at the next level. All the preparation and work that I’ve put in — it feels very good to finally have the opportunity.”
Payne helped lead Daviess County to four straight region titles and three district championships. He played as a winger early in his career but spent his final two years in the midfield. Spalding recruited him primarily as a midfielder, though Payne said he’s also played right back in club soccer and is open to filling whatever role is needed.
He said his decision was made easier thanks to a strong relationship with Spalding Head Coach Adam Boyer, who he met during summer camps.
“I liked everything about it,” Payne said. “I really liked Boyer. I talked to him some more there, and as the years went on, I started having conversations with him at camps and when I was seeing him in a game. When it ultimately got down to the point to make a decision, I had already had a pretty good relationship with Coach Boyer, and I just felt like that was the right fit for me.”
Payne also credited his teammates, coaches, and parents for pushing him along the way and supporting his journey.
Jayden Conder will continue his football career at Kentucky Christian University. After limited playing time his senior year, Conder is excited for a fresh start.
“It feels great, especially since I really didn’t get the opportunity to play a lot last year,” he said. “So it’ll be a different experience, for sure.”
Conder, who will join the running back room at KCU, said the opportunity came at the perfect time and he’s already working to prepare for the next chapter.
“As of right now, I’m just working in and out of the gym every day and doing drills by myself at home,” he said. “It’s always work.”
Conder thanked his KCU coaches and former Daviess County coach Anthony Payton for helping him get connected with the program.
Grant Broughton signed with Northern Kentucky University to play golf after a standout career with the Panthers. He helped Daviess County to a second-place region finish and eighth at semi-state this fall before qualifying for the KHSAA state tournament finals, where he tied for 46th overall.
“Northern Kentucky continued to stay as the one who was interested in me the most,” Broughton said. “I really admired the coach and the team. I loved everything about my visit and it was not a hard decision at all to pick Northern Kentucky.”
Broughton, who plans to major in prefinance and pursue a master’s in qualitative finance, has big goals on and off the course.
“I know it is a big ask, but I hope to be able to play right away,” he said. “I hope to get a couple of shots better, become smarter in the game, and be able to take the career path I want to — if it isn’t professional golf, it will be the major in the classes I am taking.”
All three athletes signed their letters of intent last Thursday.
