A Versatile Addition
Payton Knowles has officially transferred from Seattle University to Troy University, bringing a blend of offensive firepower and elite defensive reliability to the Trojans' roster.
A native of Washington, Knowles first made his mark at Peninsula High School, where he earned All-State and All-Area honors and was named the South Sound Conference MVP in his senior year.
His collegiate journey began at Gonzaga University in 2024, where he appeared in 35 games and posted a .276 batting average while driving in 24 runs. Defensively, he logged a .964 fielding percentage with 27 putouts at Gonzaga.
After transferring to Seattle in 2026, Knowles evolved into a utility standout, earning First-Team All-WCC honors. He posted a career‑high .351 average, hit 18 doubles, added two triples and six home runs, and contributed 35 RBIs and 42 runs scored.
What sets Knowles apart is his flawless fielding work: he completed the season with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, recording 208 putouts, 17 assists and six double plays across the infield and outfield.
Coaches at Troy University see Knowles as a immediate impact player who can fill multiple positions, add depth to the lineup, and anchor a defense that has already shown promise.
The addition of Knowles aligns with Troy's broader strategy of recruiting versatile, high‑character athletes who can contribute across the board, reinforcing the program's competitiveness in the coming season.