Payton Stillwell

Payton Stillwell transferred to Winthrop University because of its prestigious reputation in preparing its education majors for the classroom.

The Chester, South Carolina native left York Technical College with an associate’s degree to start the fast-paced MAT-5 program at Winthrop. Now a senior, he will graduate in May of 2025 and start the Master’s of Arts Teaching program with the goal of teaching and coaching after graduation.

Half of his classes covered his specialty, physical education, where he worked on his professionalism and helped tweak his teaching abilities. “I have made connections and been able to pick people’s brains who have been teaching and coaching for decades, which has helped me out tremendously,” Stillwell said.

Part of what will help Stillwell transition more easily to the field is his participation as an assistant football and wrestling coach. He played both sports when he attended Chester High so helping both teams has become one of his passions.

Between the junior varsity, varsity boy’s team, and varsity girl’s team, there were 75 wrestlers from grades ninth through twelfth. The men’s team made the record books, capturing the first state championship in the school’s history, with the addition of two Individual State Champions, two runners-up, and four more state placers. The Varsity Girls also had three All-State wrestlers with one being a State Finalist and two taking third place in their respective weight classes.

“The State Championship is, of course, what many will remember, but I will forever hold close to me the bond these kids have with one another,” said Stillwell. He said wrestling isn’t a sport you can just become good at overnight. “There are hours and hours of hard work, dedication, and sacrifices that gave us the opportunity to chase championships,” he said.

During a dominating postseason run, the third-ranked Cyclones defeated defending champ Chesnee, handing Liberty its first loss of the season in the Upper-State Finals, and then beat Buford for the state title, ending with a 34-4 record and going undefeated after January 1st. 

While winning the state championship was a high point for the year, Stillwell and his family experienced a low. His mother, who had been sick for a while with myasthenia gravis, passed away in the fall. He, his brother, and two sisters have pulled together to help each other through the grieving.

“I do all I can to be a role model for my younger sisters since they have no father at home to guide them either. I tell them all when it comes to my mind to just continue to put our best foot forward; all my mom ever wanted was for us to succeed and be happy,” Stillwell said. “I feel as if I can sleep at night knowing I’m legitimately giving my all each day, and he tells them ‘You should, too.”

Once Stillwell finishes his master’s degree, he expects to be ready for the teaching challenge. “I am probably one of the few who will head into a classroom with already years of experience from coaching, substituting, and being a paraprofessional, and my fields/internships will help as well,” he said.

He plans to teach and coach for as long as he physically can. “I have a love for helping the youth that simply makes me want to do my job each day. I feel as if kids haven’t changed, but society has, in a sense,” Stillwell said. “Generations are different, but kids will ultimately still be kids, and high school athletics is one of the last activities we have that can turn young boys and girls into young men and women.”

He feels blessed to have Winthrop faculty and staff members who have helped him along the way. “As an overall experience, I would suggest to any high school or college student looking to transfer, Winthrop is a great place, and you should consider getting a degree from one of the best universities in the state,” he added.

The Winthrop community, along with his family and friends, have provided much support during his college years. “I just want to let the closest people in my life know how much I appreciate them, and I’m always thankful for their love and support,” he said. “To every athlete that I coach, you each make me a better person, coach, and future teacher. I am proud of you all and want you to continue to give everything you have in academics and athletics.”