Payton Ellison Named Union Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – Union Commonwealth University has selected Payton Ellison as its new head cross country and track and field coach.

Ellison enters his first full season leading the Bulldogs after previously serving as interim head coach, assistant coach and graduate assistant within the program.

A native of Somerset, Ellison competed for Union from 2019-23 and became one of the most accomplished jumpers in program history. He holds the school record in the high jump, earned four All-Appalachian Athletic Conference honors and won two AAC championships. Ellison also placed 19th in the high jump at the 2024 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships.

Ellison earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science with a minor in coaching from Union in 2023 and completed his Master of Business Administration in 2025.

He began his coaching career with local high school track and field programs from 2021-23 before serving as a graduate assistant at Union from 2023-25. Ellison was elevated to assistant coach in July 2025 and later named interim head coach in March 2026, leading the program through the remainder of the season before taking over the role full time.

During his coaching tenure, Ellison has helped guide student-athletes to multiple podium finishes at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships.

Union Vice President of Athletics Clay Butler said Ellison is well positioned to lead the program moving forward.

"We are excited to name Payton Ellison as our next head coach for our cross country and track and field programs," Butler said. "As a proud alumnus of Union Commonwealth University and someone who has already invested in our student-athletes as an assistant coach, he understands the culture, expectations and vision of our department. Payton is a young, energetic coach with a bright future, and we are excited to see him lead these programs into the next chapter."