STATESBORO - As part of Black History Month, the Georgia Southern Athletics Department and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group within the department are highlighting successful former Eagle student-athletes. GSEagles.com had a chance to catch up with former baseball star James Payne to highlight his successes after graduating from Georgia Southern in 2015. Payne currently serves as a school leadership coach with Learning Sciences International.

James Payne was a member of the Eagle Baseball program from 2001-2005. Payne came to Statesboro from Adel, Georgia having played at Cook County High School for former Eagle, Coach Frank Vashaw. After serving the team in a reserve role as a freshman and then redshirting in the 2002 season, Payne would become the Eagle's starting center fielder for his final three seasons 2003-2005 and develop into an all-conference performer. He would be named second team All-Southern Conference in 2004 and receive first team honors in 2005 while also being voted All-Region by the American Baseball Coaches Association. Payne's 2005 senior season would place him in the Eagle Record Books in the top 10 of several offensive categories including: batting average (9^th, .407), hits (6^th, 99), stolen bases (6^th, 35), and on base % (9^th, .507). For his career, he would finish 9^th in batting average (.361), 4^th in on base % (.458), 6^th in stolen bases (76), and 3^rd in hit by pitches (57). Payne was a part of two championship teams that participated in NCAA Regionals in 2001 and 2002. 

1. How did your time at Georgia Southern pave the way for your success?
 
During my time at Georgia Southern I was able to obtain a first class education and learn valuable life lessons that have helped me become the productive citizen that I am today. The high quality education that I received has allowed me to feel confident and thrive in any professional setting that I'm placed in. College isn't all about the education you receive; it's about the experiences behind the diploma. My time in Statesboro gifted me with experiences that prepared me to pursue my own purpose and work to add value to my community.
 
2. How did being a student-athlete prepare you for the position that you are in today?
 
Being a student-athlete taught me the importance of discipline, time-management, and how to effectively collaborate with others. By staying focused, working hard, and being coachable, I was able to excel academically and on the baseball field at Georgia Southern. As I transitioned to the real world, those traits have helped me become one of the best educators in the nation. As a classroom teacher, school principal, and school leadership coach I have been able to get results in schools that were considered "failing". The lessons learned as a student-athlete have helped me develop the essential characteristics needed to be successful in the game of life.
 
3. What is your current career? What do you enjoy most about it?

I currently serve as a School Leadership Coach. In my role I work with principals at underperforming schools to improve systems that will improve teaching and learning in schools. Prior to this role I served as an elementary school principal for six years. The most exciting part of my job is having the opportunity to take on challenges in education that many people are afraid to face head on. I'm motivated each day because I have the chance to end generational poverty and change the trajectory of the lives of students that have traditionally been underserved.
 
4. Who was your biggest inspiration at Georgia Southern?
 
My parents (James and Carla Payne) have always been my biggest source of inspiration because of the sacrifices they made for me so that I could be successful. During my time at Georgia Southern, Head Coach Rodney Hennon, was a huge source of inspiration for me. He stressed the importance getting my degree and competing every day in the classroom and on the baseball field.
 
5. How do you hope to serve as a role model to younger Black athletes?
 
Only six percent of division one-college baseball players are African American. I hope to serve as a role model for younger African American baseball players that want to play college baseball at a high level. I hope that my career at Georgia Southern can inspire them to set lofty goals and pursue their dreams. My career at GSU is evidence that HARD WORK pays off! I went from a player that was not heavily recruited to an every day starter and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
 
6. What does Black History Month mean to you?
 
Black History Month is a time to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. Although Black History cannot be contained or limited to a month, this time is about appreciating and recognizing key African American achievements. Personally, it is a time for me to reflect on the innumerable amount of African Americans that dedicated their lives to change. Black History Month re-affirms the fact that I have no excuse to not have a positive impact on my community, this nation, and ultimately the world.