Payton had a birthday party at a local gym and she fell in love with the sport. She joined Northeast Gymnastics Academy team in 2013 and has been there ever since. She was the 2015 Level 5 PA State Balance Beam Champion, 2016 Level 7 PA State Qualifier and 2017 Level 8 PA State Floor Exercise Bronze Medalist.

In 2018, Payton moved up to level 9 where she finished fifth on balance beam at the State Championships and second on floor exercise at the Region 7 Championships. She was named to America's Top 100 on floor exercise in level 9. In 2019, Payton placed fourth on balance beam at the State Championships, qualifying to Region 7 Championships. Payton's 2020 season was cut short due to COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Payton placed fifth in the all-around and second on floor exercise at the Region 7 Championships. This qualified Payton to the Junior Olympic Nationals in Daytona Beach, FL where she placed 15th on floor exercise with a 9.600.

In 2022, Payton placed fifth in the all-around and fourth on floor exercise at the Level 10 State Championships. She took a sixth place with a 9.575 at the Region 7 Championships.

When Payton isn't busy training 23 hours each week in the gym, she enjoys photography, painting and skiing. She is the daughter to Dawn and Dennis and she has a sister, Shelby and a dog named Jagger. Currently, Payton is a student at Wyoming Seminary and she will graduate in 2023. Payton does at least ten hours of community service each year and has completed 40 hours total.