MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Peyton Grantham, a former University of Alabama softball standout, is making history in Baldwin County as the first female athletic director at Elberta High School. At just 29, she becomes only the second female athletic director in the county’s history.
Grantham, a Daphne High School alum, credited her time on the Crimson Tide softball team for shaping her leadership approach. After graduating with a degree in criminal justice, she shifted to coaching, taking over as head softball coach at Robertsdale High School at age 21. During her six years there, she also served as associate athletic director and coached girls’ flag football and volleyball.
Her broad coaching experience prepared her for this milestone opportunity. “Just being able to be involved in multiple sports was key,” Grantham said. “If you’re not in it, you don’t understand what all goes into this role.”
Grantham said achieving this goal has been surreal. “I knew I wanted to do it, but I never thought I’d get the chance at 29, especially as a woman,” she shared. She hopes to inspire young female athletes to believe in themselves and pursue leadership roles in sports. “Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it,” she said. “I’ve been told I couldn’t do it, but the best feeling is proving them wrong.”
Grantham officially started her new role this summer. She plans to focus on building relationships with coaches and athletes while finding ways to grow female participation in sports.
Breaking Barriers: Peyton Grantham Becomes Youngest Female AD in Baldwin County
