Peyton Guinter is a senior forward/midfielder, team captain for the Lafayette Leopards field hockey team and a Biology major. Originally from Severna Park, Md., she's known as a consistent and reliable presence on the field with contributions that go far beyond the stat sheet.

Her teammates describe her as a leader and someone who always lifts up everyone around her. Peyton played in 21 games and logged 236 minutes throughout her career here at Lafayette. She was part of the team's run to its third consecutive Patriot League Field Hockey Championship this year.

Passionate not only about field hockey but also about medicine, Peyton plans to pursue a career in healthcare after graduation, exploring paths such as physician assistant school and bio engineering.

Coaching & Mentorship

How were you introduced to field hockey and when did you start playing?
"My parents helped me in field hockey when I was in the first grade. I grew up in a smaller town and my family friends had children of a similar age, so we all started doing field hockey and lacrosse together."

Do you remember the first number you ever played in?
30

Biggest mentor outside of sports?
"My parents keep me grounded and motivated every day. They both played sports, my mom was a gymnast and my dad played baseball, so they understand what it takes and are always supportive."

What do you remember about your first interaction with Coach Stone?
"We did the interview on Zoom because it was during COVID. I remember being worried about all the little technology issues that could go wrong. She was so down to earth and approachable. The way she showed up on that call, genuine and transparent, is the same way she stayed throughout all four years."

Future in Medicine

What inspired you to study biology?
"I studied biology because I want to work in medicine and help people in a meaningful way. I'm drawn to healthcare because it's people-centered and always evolving and I'm also exploring biotechnology, especially the innovation behind developing life-saving medical devices such as spinal implants."

Are you planning to attend college or graduate school after you graduate?
"I'm interested in going to a physician assistant school for graduate school. If I decide to go, it's more of a practice-based way of medicine and not the bio engineering route. But I'm still exploring both."

Can you tell me about your internship experience last summer?
"I worked at Meg Fox Aesthetics in Maryland and shadowed physician assistants and nurse practitioners to gain experience. Working closely with my boss, the physician assistant and owner. They performed Botox, facial procedures, hair restoration, dermatology, and more. This was my first time working with patients, and it was such a special and unique experience. I helped take them to the back room, discuss their concerns and report back to my boss."

If every time you scored a goal a donation went to a charity, which cause would you choose? 
Childhood cancer research

Favorite class or professor?
"My favorite class was comparative vertebrate anatomy and I also took neuroanatomy with the same professor. Professor James Dearworth Jr. is very educated and has done interesting research on turtle eyeballs and how cues we don't even realize can signal danger. That class opened my eyes to the complexity of the human body."

On College Hill

Favorite tradition or Game Day memory at Lafayette?
"We started the season and the freshmen got letters from the previous players who wore our jersey numbers, which were read out loud right before our first game. It was really special and I think it will turn into a tradition from now on."

Favorite spot on campus to study or relax?
"Skillman Library. As a team we study there a lot and even if we're not studying, we just like to sit around and talk together."

Favorite field hockey season or game?
"My favorite season was probably this one. Being a senior and a leader was really fun. The group of girls this year are amazing, genuine and such great people. My favorite game was last year's championship game because we won and it was honestly the best day ever."

What do you remember about your first day on campus?
"My first day on campus was during the preseason of my freshman year and I was so nervous the whole time with so many butterflies. I lived in Easton Hall with just my new freshman teammates."

"I remember my parents and sister hadn't left yet, and I thought I couldn't do this. I wasn't sure this was for me, but they told me I had to at least try. Luckily, I did, and I stayed, and of course, it lasted four years."

What will you miss most about Easton, Pennsylvania?
"The people, how close we are to downtown and the small-town interactions and sense of community."

Off the Field Faves

If you could have dinner with any three athletes or a mix of celebrities, who would they be?
"Lamar Jackson and Peyton Manning. I'm actually named after him. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the track runner, I think she's awesome."

Favorite childhood memory?
"At my eighth birthday party, my parents took me to Camden Yards, the Oriole stadium. We sat in a section and my name came up on the board. It was really special."

Favorite holiday meal?
"Christmas. My mom makes ham, broccoli casserole, mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, that's my favorite holiday."

Favorite quote or mantra?
"1% better every day is something I live by in every aspect of my life." James Clear, Atomic Habits

If you could have any superpower on the field, what would it be?
"I think I would have super speed, it works offensively and defensively."

Favorite TV show or series?
"My favorite of all time is probably Outer Banks. My comfort show is Criminal Minds, I always put it in the background."

Favorite Christmas movie?
2018 Grinch, the animated version

Which teammate would survive the longest on a desert island, and why?
"I would say Mackenzie Switzer, because she's very strong and determined, but also smart and strategic. She would figure out little ways to survive that could help us all."

Have you traveled outside the country?
"I've traveled to Paris, Rome, the Bahamas, Aruba, Punta Cana, Croatia, Switzerland and Greece. This summer I'm taking a graduation trip to Europe with friends, including a stop in the Netherlands to visit two of my Lafayette friends. Also, Hawaii is still my dream destination."