Dawkins hired as first head coach of Greenwood Baseball Club

Greenwood, SC — Greenwood Baseball Club, a new member of the Blue Ridge League, is proud to announce the hiring of Payton Dawkins as Head Coach for the club’s inaugural 2026 season at historic Legion Field.

A Columbia-area native and former player at Columbia International University, Dawkins brings both championship experience and a proven track record of program development to Greenwood. As a member of CIU’s 2021 NCCAA national championship team, he understands the preparation, discipline, and culture required to build a winning environment.

Currently serving as Head Varsity Coach at American Leadership Academy in Lexington, Dawkins has quickly established himself as one of the state’s rising coaching leaders. In previous stops at North High School, Pelion High School, and R.B. Stall High School, he engineered rapid program turnarounds — doubling win totals, capturing district championships, achieving top-five state finishes, and significantly increasing community support.

He has also coached American Legion baseball with Lexington Post 7 and has guided numerous players into collegiate programs across South Carolina.

“I am a huge traditionalist when it comes to baseball venues,” Dawkins said. “Growing up going to Capital City Stadium and watching summer baseball there, I fell in love with the game in that setting. To now have the opportunity to manage in a historic park like Greenwood’s is a full-circle moment for me. It’s a dream come true.”

Fans can expect an aggressive and disciplined brand of baseball in Greenwood this summer.

“We’re going to do the little things the right way,” Dawkins said. “How we do one thing is how we do everything. We’ll be aggressive in preparation, aggressive on the bases, and relentless in competition. Most importantly, we’ll be a group that plays for each other and for this community.”

Blue Ridge League Founder Greg Sullivan praised the hire.

“Payton brings energy, integrity, recruiting connections, and a genuine respect for the game,” Sullivan said. “Greenwood has a strong baseball tradition, and Coach Dawkins is the right leader to establish a foundation the community can rally around.”

Greenwood Baseball Club will compete throughout June and July at historic Legion Field. Additional roster announcements and season information will be released in the coming weeks.