Lone Star College-Montgomery lifePATH® student excels in and out of the classroom

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Sometimes the path to success in life can also take place outside the classroom. Such is the case for Lone Star College-Montgomery lifePATH® student Peyton Mattingly who recently took part in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games held at the University of Minnesota.

“I like being outside and competing against other golfers who are better than me”, said Mattingly. “They make me better as a player and a person. I like the friendships I make on the golf course. We encourage each other to be our best.”

The event featured 3,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches representing all 50 states, engaging in 16 Special Olympics team and individual sports in both traditional and unified events where people with and without intellectual disabilities compete together.

Mattingly finished fourth in his division, scoring an impressive 92, 89, & 91 during the competition.

“I play golf with my dad, but I am better than him”, said Mattingly. “He is a great caddy and gives me good advice.” Mattingly’s dad served as his caddy for the games.

When not playing golf, Mattingly attends the lifePATH® program at LSC-Montgomery. LifePATH® is post-secondary educational program for neurodivergent students whose focus is to assist students as they develop independence, exercise self-determination, increase knowledge of college-level academic expectations, practice the social expectations necessary for success in the adult world, and engage in opportunities for career exploration.

“I am grateful for the lifePATH® program because it allows me to attend college at a slower pace”, said Mattingly. “My professors really care about helping me explore my talents and achieve my goals. I learned I am a great public speaker. I love talking to people. I am excited for my internship and my final two semesters of college.”

In addition to Mattingly’s success, Team Texas, coached by Jarome D. Davis, Ed.D., Lone Star College Head of Delegation-Special Olympics, took home the gold medal in the Unified Medal Round.

Mattingly plans to continue his love for the game of golf after completing the lifePATH® program.

“I would like to get a job at a golf course and later pursue a certificate in golf management,” said Mattingly. “I would like to have a job where I get to spend time outside and work with people.”