Georgia’s Peyton Ushery Was Born To Be A Dawg

Georgia native Peyton Ushery Peyton Ushery CF/OF Lassiter | 2028 #95 Nation GA grew up wanting to play for the University of Georgia. She attended games, camps, and her basement has been devoted to all things Dawgs. 

Once September 1 arrived, the 2028 recruit didn't want to waste anyone's time or string along coaches. Ushery committed to UGA right away.

“I have always wanted to go to Georgia because it felt like home,” Ushery said. “I grew up around there and the program has a family culture, so it felt like the right place for me.”

Born and raised in Marietta, Georgia, Ushery plays travel ball for Athletics Gold Tamborra. She is coming off a summer where she batted .453 with 17 home runs, 59 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases. The dynamic outfielder just began her junior season at Lassiter High, where she is a two-time first-team all-state selection and reigning Region 6-5A Player of the Year.

As she's gotten older and stronger, Ushery has expanded her abilities at the plate.

“I got a good amount of power over the summer because about a year-and-a-half ago I started really working out and doing a lot of lifting,” she said. “Before that I was a slapper/bunter. Now I'm a power hitter, but I can still bunt because I have a good amount of speed.”

Ushery is the youngest of six daughters. She started playing softball at age 4 alongside older sister Kennedy, who is a freshman infielder at Barry University. 

“We tried a bunch of different sports, and softball just stuck. It felt like it was the right sport and one that my sister and I both had fun in,” Ushery said. “We played basketball for a good bit, but then we were both better at softball, so we ultimately went with softball.”

Ushery began playing travel ball at the 10U level and quickly began separating herself from others her age. Having Kennedy right by her side as they pursued their softball dreams was a major source of motivation.

“I always looked up to her as a role model,” Ushery said. “I always tried to be better than her. That really pushed me to be the best, because when you're trying to be better than someone who's older than you it really pushes you. She really pushed me all throughout my childhood.”

Nicknamed Payday, Ushery wears No. 13 because she was born on Friday the 13th. Ushery's natural athleticism has provided a strong foundation for her success, but she's never been content with the status quo.

“I'm really passionate about what I do. I strive to be the best at whatever I do, and I'm a very hard worker,” Ushery said. “If I want something to get done, then I will work at it until it gets done, no matter how hard it is. I'll keep working at it all the time.”

Although her official announcement came quickly, Ushery's commitment to Georgia has been a lifetime in the making. She wants to make an impact on the field for the homestate Dawgs while exploring her passion in the classroom as well.

“I've thought about majoring in either sports management, marketing, or business because I always have wanted to stay around sports,” she said. “I could also be a coach because it's something I'm really passionate about. It would be a good job for me because I could put a lot of effort into it and really like it.”