About
Biography
Payton Henley is an accomplished basketball athlete known for her versatility and scoring ability on the court. Born on April 15, 1998, in Seattle, Washington, she displayed exceptional talent from an early age, playing for her high school team at Rainier Beach High School, where she earned multiple All-State honors. Henley's skills attracted significant attention, and she went on to play collegiate basketball at the University of Oregon, leading the Ducks to notable successes in the NCAA tournaments.
Throughout her college career, Henley became a standout player, averaging over 20 points per game during her junior and senior years. In her final season, she was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team and received multiple accolades, including a spot on the Nancy Lieberman Award watch list, recognizing her as one of the top point guards in the nation. Henley's leadership and performance in crucial games solidified her reputation as a clutch player, contributing to the Ducks securing a place in the NCAA tournament's Elite Eight in 2020.
Henley's professional career began when she was drafted in the second round of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Draft by the Phoenix Mercury in 2020. Since entering the league, she has continued to make an impact, showcasing her skills as both a scorer and playmaker. Henley's contributions have earned her a dedicated fan base, and she is widely regarded as a role model for aspiring young athletes, particularly women in sports, cementing her legacy within the basketball community.