LSC-Montgomery’s Peyton Mattingly Joins Team Texas for Special Olympics USA Games

CONROE, TX -- Peyton Mattingly, a Lone Star College-Montgomery lifePATH® student, has been selected to represent Team Texas in golf at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Mattingly is one of only two athletes chosen from across the state to compete in Level 5 Golf at the national event, which will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from June 20 to 26, 2026.

The selection was announced during a live stream on YouTube presented by the Special Olympics Team of Texas, where Mattingly was drawn to join Team Texas for the USA Games in 2026.

“It’s a new experience, and I am so honored and proud to be representing Texas,” Mattingly said. “I’m proud to be one of the few to go to the Special Olympics and so excited for this humbling opportunity.”

Mattingly began competitive golf during his junior and senior years at Kingwood Park High School, where his leadership inspired the creation of the “Peyton Mattingly Spirit Award.” This award is given annually to students who exemplify dedication and spirit. Since graduating from high school in the Fall of 2023, he has been an active golfer with the Woodlands Country Club team, the Woodlands Shooting Stars.

Preparation for the USA Games is already underway. Mattingly practices weekly with his Shooting Star team, follows a healthy diet, and maintains a dedicated training schedule. Starting in November, he will also participate in special training sessions with fellow Team Texas athletes and coaches, as well as work with a professional golf coach.

Mattingly credits the lifePATH® program at LSC-Montgomery for giving him essential skills and confidence for his growth. “Without lifePATH®, I did not feel positive about college,” he shared. The lessons in patience, leadership, and work ethic he gained through the program have helped him pursue and maintain his ambitions, including his journey to compete at the Special Olympics USA Games 2026.

Looking beyond the 2026 Games, Mattingly plans to work as a business manager at a country club while continuing to play golf. He offers this advice to others pursuing their dreams: “Keep working hard, be a great leader, keep your academics up, and work toward graduation. Hard work brings great rewards and satisfaction in life.”

Peyton’s journey showcases his perseverance and the strong foundation he has built for future success. He is supported by his family, church sponsors, friends, and Conroe’s Two Tones Dueling Piano Bar in The Woodlands.

Lone Star College-Montgomery congratulates Peyton on this outstanding achievement. The entire school community wishes him continued success and fulfillment, both at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and in all his future endeavors.

To follow Peyton Mattingly’s journey to the USA Games, visit his Instagram: @golfermattingly. To learn more about or support Team Texas, visit the Special Olympics Texas website at sotx.org.