Millikin Athletics
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Payton Schmitz will enter his first year as a Sports Information Intern at Millikin University in the fall of 2026. He joined the Big Blue staff in August of 2026.
Schmitz comes to Millikin after most recently serving as a Gameday Marketing Ambassador with the Chicago White Sox during the 2026 season. Prior to working with the Sox, Schmitz also worked with the ECHL's Toledo Walleye, and MiLB's Toledo Mud Hens.
Outside of his work in the professional sports realm, Schmitz gained valuable experience in broadcasting throughout his four years at the University of Toledo. He spent over two years as a TV Broadcast Production Assistant and Color Commentator, making his ESPN+ on-screen debut in April of 2026 during a baseball doubleheader. In 2026, he was an Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Promotions Director finalist.
He also served on staff at 88.3 FM WXUT in Toledo from November of 2024 until he graduated. In that time he served as a member of the on-air talent team, delivering play-by-play, color commentary, and sideline reporting for football, baseball, volleyball, and basketball. He also hosted and produced an original two-hour baseball radio show. He also spent one year as the Promotions Director, leading all promotional efforts for the station, overseeing social media, recruitment, marketing, graphic design, and web design.Â
Schmitz graduated magna cum laude with college & departmental honors from the University of Toledo in 2026, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Schmitz resides in Decatur.
