COMMERCE – East Texas A&M University soccer coach Ashley Gordon has announced the signing of Payton Joost for the 2025 season, a transfer from Lamar and Louisiana Tech.
 
Joost played the last three seasons at Lamar and will join the Lions for her graduate year this fall. The defender from Wylie began her collegiate career at Louisiana Tech.
 
"We are delighted to add Payton to our 2025 roster. She brings a wealth of experience to our back line," said Gordon. "Payton is technical, athletic, and a natural playmaker as a center back."
 
"I have watched Payton's impact in the league for the past three years and excited she will impact our roster in her final year of eligibility."
 
In three seasons for the Cardinals, Joost appeared in 44 matches and started 28, helping Lamar record 22 shutouts with her in the playing 11. She has one goal to her ledger as well, playing primarily as a defender.
 
Joost played her high school soccer at Wylie High School, also competing in track and field. She earned first team all-district honors as a senior and was a two-time academic all-district and one-time academic all-state honoree. Joost won district championships in both soccer and track and field. She played club soccer for Sting Dallas Royal ECNL.
 
She is the daughter of Nicole and John Joost. Coming to East Texas A&M is a bit of a homecoming for Joost as her father, John, ran track and field for the Lions.