Looking back at a hall of fame career: Luciana Payne and the call for new nominations
BUFFALO, N.Y. – As the D'Youville University Athletics Department continues its call for nominations for the 2026–27 Athletics Hall of Fame Class—the fifth group to be enshrined among the university's highest athletic honors—the Saints are also taking time to celebrate the student-athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors whose accomplishments have helped shape the department's proud tradition.
Among those being recognized is 2022–23 Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Luciana Payne, a standout student-athlete whose success on the volleyball court, contributions to the women's tennis program, and dedication to academic excellence made her one of the most accomplished Saints of her era.
A four-year member of the D'Youville volleyball program, Payne established herself as one of the premier middle hitters in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC). A three-time team Most Valuable Player and two-time team captain, she was a driving force behind the Saints' success throughout her collegiate career.
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Her individual accomplishments earned conference recognition on multiple occasions, as Payne was named to the AMCC All-Conference Third Team in 2011 before earning Second Team honors in 2012. Her consistency extended beyond the court, where she was named to the AMCC Academic All-Conference Team in each of her four seasons, exemplifying D'Youville's commitment to excellence in both athletics and academics.
Payne concluded her volleyball career with 963 kills, averaging 2.61 kills per set while posting a .221 hitting percentage. She ranked among the AMCC's top 10 in kills from 2010-12 and led the Saints in kills during each of those three seasons. Defensively, Payne was equally dominant, leading D'Youville in blocks in all four years of her career.
In addition to her accomplishments on the volleyball court, Payne also competed for the Saints' women's tennis team during the 2013 season. Her dedication and continued development earned her the program's Most Improved Player Award.
Following graduation, Payne continued her commitment to helping others by pursuing a career in healthcare. She earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree and currently practices in Florida.
Payne's combination of athletic achievement, academic success, and leadership continues to serve as a model for D'Youville student-athletes. Her induction into the 2022–23 D'Youville Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes a career defined by excellence, perseverance, and a lasting impact on Saints Athletics.
Nominate the next Saints legend
Do you know a former student-athlete, coach, team, administrator, or contributor who deserves to be recognized among the greatest in D'Youville Athletics history?
The D'Youville University Athletics Department is currently accepting nominations for the 2026–27 Athletics Hall of Fame Class. Nominations will be accepted through August 1.
Help preserve the rich tradition of D'Youville Athletics by recognizing those who have made a lasting impact on our programs and community.
To submit a nomination, click here.
