A 2018 graduate of Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Clinical Health Studies as she went on to complete her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2020, Payton Cutting returned to the South Hill prior to the 2023 season as the Assistant Coach of the Ithaca softball program. She served as a volunteer assistant coach from 2019-2021 and when rejoining the staff she added the duties of pitching coach.
In her first season back, Cutting led the Bombers’ pitching staff to a 1.80 ERA in 2023. Under her guidance, both Riley Piromalli and Anna Cornell earned All-Liberty League honors. The staff combined for three one-hit games, and Piromalli threw the program’s 19th no-hitter.
The 2024 season saw continued success, with the Bombers finishing 26-14. Cutting helped coach Anna Cornell to an outstanding junior campaign, highlighted by the program’s 20th no-hitter. Cornell totaled 206 strikeouts—leading the Liberty League, ranking ninth in NCAA Division III, and marking the third-highest single-season total in program history.
The 2025 season marked another milestone, as Ithaca posted a 30-8 record, captured the Liberty League Championship, and made its 31st NCAA Tournament appearance. Cutting played a key role in the Bombers finishing the season ranked fifth nationally in team ERA (1.87), seventh in strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.04), and 20th in shutouts (12) across Division III. She was also instrumental in shaping the career of standout pitcher Anna Cornell, who was named Liberty League Pitcher of the Year—the first Bomber to earn the honor since 2019. Cornell rewrote the program record books, setting new marks for career strikeouts (665) and lowest opponent batting average (.188). She also became the 20th NFCA All-American in program history and the first Ithaca honoree since 2012. Cutting, along with head coach Kelly Robichaud, was also voted the NFCA Region III Coaching Staff of the Year at the conclusion of the season.
As a student-athlete, Cutting was a four-year member of the Ithaca softball team, serving as a team captain during her junior and senior seasons. She was a two-time Empire 8 Sportswoman of the Year and served as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) during the 2017–18 academic year. In 2018, she helped lead the Bombers to their first NCAA Division III World Series appearance since 2010, where they finished third nationally. Cutting concluded her playing career with a 124-49 record, appearing in three Regionals and two Super Regionals.
Following her undergraduate studies, Cutting earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Ithaca College in 2020. She then completed a Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program at the University of Rochester and became a Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist. She also holds certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
7/21/2025
