Lilyana Vasquez
Staff Writer
A few hours before tip-off, Peyton Gerald is already in the gym, lifting weights and pushing his limits, convinced that every rep makes him stronger for the game ahead. Now a senior majoring in sports management, Gerald has been playing basketball throughout college— but this year is his first at Florida Southern after transferring from Catawba College in North Carolina.
Playing as a forward, he’s bringing a fresh drive to his new team. Outside of basketball, he helps with a local AU program called Ace Elite. He loves to cook and enjoys sharing his passion with others.
Growing up, Gerald’s main sport was football, a family favorite, especially for his father. But after one too many hard hits, he decided basketball was his path— a choice that led him to discover a deep love and passion for the game.
“It helped me through a lot too; like I just have that sentimental connection to it,” Gerald said. “Being able to shoot the basketball just helped me through a lot.”
For Gerald, basketball isn’t just a career choice; it’s a source of strength and focus through life’s challenges.
Previously, Gerald played primarily as a center at his old school, focusing on work inside the perimeter. When he transferred to Florida Southern, however, Head Coach Donnelly wanted him to develop a more dynamic game and “really develop my game inside and out.” Defensively, Donnelly trusts him to guard positions one through five— sometimes he’s up against the point guard, and other times he’s covering the center. This flexibility allows him to showcase his full range on the court, “showing my versatility.”
Gerald started his FSC career with the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic To prepare for this, the team had long, almost three-hour practices. Tiresome to most, Gerald explained that staying consistent, always going to practice, and taking it seriously will keep you prepared. He also mentioned the importance of taking care of yourself, eating and sleeping well.
In the past, he would simply attend practice and get in a few extra shots, but now he emphasizes the importance of stretching. He stretches throughout the day and frequently visits the training room for treatments that prepare his body for practices and games. He also lifts weights consistently to build strength.
“Maintaining my body, getting my body stronger, that’s helped my game,” he said. Gerald also enjoys cooking, often preparing a large dish to last a couple of days, ensuring he stays well-nourished.
Additionally, he’s working to improve his ball handling and “being more of a facilitator,” wanting the opposing team to react to his plays, not the other way around.
Each player has their pregame routine, and for Gerald, game day preparation looks a little different. He usually starts his day listening to some calm R&B. Then, he heads to the gym for a warm-up, lifting weights to get his body ready. Afterward, he likes to go outside with headphones on, focusing on his breathing to stay calm. As game time approaches, his music shifts to something more upbeat, with YoungBoy and Lil Baby among his favorites.
About six minutes before the game, the coach gives the team a talk, and one of Gerald’s teammates delivers a motivational speech to get everyone excited and ready to play.
Gerald explained the team’s strong bond with each other. He mentioned that there are a lot of transfer students on the team this year and many of them already knew each other from competing against each other previously. Due to this, they all sort of clicked when they got to campus together. This relationship off the court is vital as it enhances their performance on the court.
As the season progresses he has multiple goals. He hopes to be a defensive team member because his defense is his pride: “I don’t like when people score on me.”
For Peyton Gerald, success goes beyond wins and stats. “It’s more about continuity as a team,” he said. “Knowing that we all mesh well together and did everything we could to achieve our goals.”
As he nears the end of his college career, Gerald has his sights set on a future in professional basketball, possibly overseas, where he can explore the world while pursuing his dream. Whether he’s lifting weights before a game, preparing a healthy meal, or guiding young players in the local AU program, Gerald’s dedication to his sport and his team shines through. And though some might think his jersey number, No. 13, is a nod to NBA star Paul George, Gerald wants everyone to know, “Paul George took it from Peyton.”
As he continues to build on his strengths and refine his game, Gerald’s ultimate goal remains simple: “I just want to know I did everything I could to be the best,” he reflects.
With his commitment and drive, Gerald is sure to make his mark both at Florida Southern and wherever basketball takes him next.
