Payton Adkins
Mishawaka,IN
Summary
Motivated and compassionate professional with extensive leadership experience as a collegiate student-athlete, coach, and youth mentor. Demonstrates strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills developed through diverse roles working with individuals of varying ages and abilities. Committed to fostering inclusive, supportive environments that promote growth, confidence, and overall well-being.
Graduating in May 2026 with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Hillsdale College, with a strong foundation in human development, physical health, and performance. Planning to pursue a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Indiana University South Bend beginning August 2026, with a long-term goal of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist. Passionate about working with children and supporting their physical, emotional, and developmental needs through individualized care and evidence-based practice.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Summer Camp Counselor
Summers Best Two Weeks
Boswell, PA
03.2026 - Current
- Fostered a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for campers while supervising daily activities and ensuring overall well-being
- Demonstrated strong leadership and mentorship by guiding campers in personal growth, teamwork, and character development
- Applied effective communication and interpersonal skills when working with children, staff, and families from diverse backgrounds
- Managed group dynamics and resolved conflicts with patience, professionalism, and sound judgment
- Organized and led structured activities, including sports, team-building exercises, and daily programming
- Exhibited adaptability and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced, dynamic camp environment
- Modeled positive behavior, responsibility, and integrity, serving as a role model for campers
- Collaborated with fellow counselors and leadership staff to maintain a cohesive and engaging camp experience
- Ensured adherence to safety protocols and camp guidelines in all activities and interactions
Unified Track Assistant Coach
Penn High School
Mishawaka, IN
03.2023 - Current
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and respectful team environment for student-athletes of diverse abilities
- Applies effective communication skills to engage with athletes, coaching staff, and families in a clear and professional manner
- Utilizes patience, empathy, and adaptability to meet the varying physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of participants
- Assists in the planning and implementation of structured, developmentally appropriate practices and training activities
- Promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal accountability both on and off the track
- Supports athlete development by encouraging confidence, independence, and goal-setting
- Maintains a high standard of organization and reliability in coordinating practices, events, and team logistics
- Ensures a safe and positive environment by adhering to established guidelines and monitoring athlete well-being
- Demonstrates leadership through mentorship, collaboration, and positive role modeling
Bible Study Leader
Hillsdale, MI
10.2024 - 05.2026
- Demonstrated leadership and initiative by organizing and facilitating regular team Bible study sessions
- Fostered an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment that encouraged open discussion and personal reflection
- Applied strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage participants and guide meaningful conversations
- Promoted personal growth, accountability, and team unity through faith-based discussion and mentorship
- Prepared and delivered structured content, demonstrating organization and the ability to lead group-focused discussions
- Exhibited empathy, active listening, and emotional intelligence when supporting teammates
- Modeled integrity, consistency, and positive character both within and outside of team settings
- Encouraged collaboration and participation, helping to build a strong sense of community among team members
- Demonstrated reliability and commitment in maintaining regular meetings and supporting team culture
Basketball Player
Hillsdale College
Hillsdale, MI
08.2022 - 03.2026
- Demonstrates a high level of discipline, time management, and commitment through the successful balance of rigorous academic and athletic responsibilities over four years
- Exhibits strong teamwork and collaboration skills while contributing to a cohesive and competitive team environment
- Applies leadership qualities both on and off the court, serving as a positive role model and supporting team culture and accountability
- Maintains resilience, perseverance, and mental toughness in high-pressure competitive situations
- Develops advanced communication skills through consistent interaction with coaches, teammates, and support staff
- Adapts to feedback and coaching strategies to continuously improve individual performance and contribute to team success
- Upholds a strong work ethic and dedication to personal and athletic development through regular training, conditioning, and competition
- Demonstrates sportsmanship, integrity, and professionalism in all practices, games, and team-related activities
- Builds strong interpersonal skills by fostering relationships within a diverse team setting
Country Club Kid Zone Staff
Morris Park Country Club
South Bend, IN
08.2023 - 08.2025
- Oversaw daily operations of the Kid Zone, ensuring a safe, structured, and engaging environment for children of varying ages
- Demonstrated strong leadership and accountability by supervising staff and coordinating responsibilities to maintain efficient operations
- Applied effective communication skills when interacting with children, parents, and club members in a professional manner
- Organized and facilitated age-appropriate activities, promoting participation, creativity, and positive social interaction
- Managed multiple responsibilities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail
- Addressed behavioral challenges and conflicts with patience, sound judgment, and a focus on positive resolution
- Ensured adherence to safety protocols and club policies to maintain a secure and welcoming environment
- Provided high-quality customer service, contributing to a positive experience for members and their families
- Demonstrated reliability, initiative, and problem-solving skills in handling day-to-day operational needs
Babysitter
Kristi Curtis
Osceola, IN
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Prepared healthy, age-appropriate snacks and meals.
- Bathed, dressed, and helped with teeth brushing as part of bedtime preparation.
- Played games, worked on puzzles, and read books to young children.
- Assisted children with homework assignments and special projects across different subjects.
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent the spreading of germs.
- Communicated positively with children and guardians.
- Organized and cleaned the home after activities by picking up toys and straightening up the playroom.
- Taught children to organize toys, wash hands, and share by leading by example.
- Assisted with meal preparation, light housekeeping, and laundry to support the family with additional chores.
- Reassured children when upset providing emotional support and stability.
- Engaged with children on an individual basis to build positive relationships.
- Established and maintained a safe play environment for children.
- Monitored children's play activities to verify safety.
Basketball Trainer
Rod Creech
Osceola, IN
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Utilized various coaching models and techniques to maximize client success.
- Established clear benchmarks for performance and monitored individual and team progress.
- Encouraged clients to find creative solutions to problems and maintain motivation.
- Promoted proper stretching, warmups, and conditioning exercises to prevent sports injuries.
- Developed relationships with clients to provide ongoing support and encouragement.
- Analyzed client feedback to adjust coaching sessions accordingly.
- Developed and delivered practical and engaging coaching sessions to improve performance.
- Offered constructive feedback to clients to help them reach their goals.
- Trained athletes in the proper use of equipment for safety and maximum results.
Volunteer In Kindergarten Classroom
Bittersweet Elementary
Mishawaka, IN
10.2018 - 06.2021
- Applied evidence-based practices for classroom management to enhance learning results.
- Reported to parents and administration about student progress.
- Created, managed, and participated in various learning environments and activities to support opportunities for students to develop their full potential and achieve learning objectives.
- Exercised good classroom management focused on positive behavior support by clearly articulating fair and consistent expectations along with appropriate natural consequences.
- Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum, and used data to create, monitor, and establish personalized learning plans for each student.
- Collaborated with other faculty and staff to promote rigorous learning opportunities, the general well-being of the school, and the collective interest of staff and student body.
- Promoted learning through play with engaging activities, games, and lessons.
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Monitored and evaluated student progress through regular assessments and observations.
- Played games with students to increase their understanding of subjects.
- Maintained stimulating learning environments through original, interactive classroom layouts and displays.
- Delivered structured lessons on readiness skills by emphasizing phonics, language skills, literature, and handwriting.
- Observed and assessed student performance and charted progress.
- Rewarded student success by utilizing praise and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Established and maintained consistent classroom rules and expectations for obedience.
- Helped struggling students by motivating and encouraging kids to reach their full potential.
- Created and supervised a variety of hands-on learning activities for fun and engagement.
- Identified each child's characteristics, needs, abilities, and problems through personal interaction and progress reports to optimize approaches.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
Hillsdale College
Hillsdale, MI05.2026
Skills
- Leadership and team facilitation
- Effective communication (verbal and interpersonal)
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management and organizational skills
- Adaptability in fast-paced environments
- Problem-solving and conflict resolution
- Mentorship and coaching abilities
- Emotional intelligence and empathy
- Accountability and reliability
- Ability to work with diverse populations (age, ability, background)
- Program planning and activity coordination
- Attention to safety and risk management
- Positive role modeling and professionalism
- Resilience and strong work ethic
- Relationship-building and community engagement
Affiliations
- Women’s Basketball Team & Women's Softball Team Hillsdale College
- Led Team Bible Study
- Innervarsity (The schools athletic faith-based group)
- Summer's Best Two Weeks (staff/counselor affiliation)
- Morris Park Country Club (employment affiliation)
- IHSAA Unified Track
- Pre-Professionals Society (College Club)
- Tribeta Chapter
Certification
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest (NFHS)
- Concussion in Sports (NFHS)
- Protecting Students from Abuse (NFHS)
- Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (NFHS)
- Heat Illness Prevention (NFHS)
- Coaching Unified Sports (NFHS)
- First Aid and Safety (Red Cross)
Extracurricular activities
- Member, Women’s Basketball and Softball Team, Hillsdale College (4 years and 1 year)
- Bible Study Leader, Team-Based Group (facilitated regular discussions and mentorship)
- Participant in Schools Athlete Faith-Based and Team Development Group
- Involved in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
- Involved in the Pre-Professionals Society Club
- In Tribeta organization
Timeline
Summer Camp Counselor
Summers Best Two Weeks
03.2026 - Current
Bible Study Leader
10.2024 - 05.2026
Country Club Kid Zone Staff
Morris Park Country Club
08.2023 - 08.2025
Unified Track Assistant Coach
Penn High School
03.2023 - Current
Basketball Player
Hillsdale College
08.2022 - 03.2026
Basketball Trainer
Rod Creech
06.2022 - 08.2022
Volunteer In Kindergarten Classroom
Bittersweet Elementary
10.2018 - 06.2021
Babysitter
Kristi Curtis
01.2017 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
Hillsdale College
Awards
Recipient of the Philippians 4:8 Scholarship, Merit Scholarship Award