Payton Kaiser joined the University of Colorado Colorado Springs men's basketball program as an assistant coach in 2026.
Kaiser assists with all aspects of the Mountain Lions' NCAA Division II program, including recruiting, player development, scouting, practice planning, and daily team operations. He also supports travel coordination, game preparation, performance analysis, and the mentorship of student-athletes.
Prior to UCCS, Kaiser served as a graduate assistant and head JV coach at Ottawa University, where he led player development, coordinated recruiting efforts, monitored academic progress, and managed the day-to-day operations of the JV program. During the summer of 2026, he also served as head coach for a 16U travel team with Livin' the Dream, while instructing youth basketball camps focused on skill development and leadership.
Kaiser has extensive experience working with youth athletes through Hillside Connection and Kansas City Connection, nonprofit organizations that use basketball to provide mentorship and life skills for underserved communities. His coaching philosophy emphasizes relationship-building, accountability, and helping student-athletes reach their full potential both on and off the court.
A former collegiate basketball student-athlete, Kaiser earned his bachelor's degree in business administration with a minor in marketing from Ottawa University in 2025 and is currently pursuing a master's degree in human resources.
