Clayton Lawson is a sophomore originally born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. At six months old, his parents, Mandy and Matt, adopted him in July 2006 and raised him in Owensboro, Kentucky. Lawson is majoring in P-12 physical education and double minoring in secondary education and broadcast journalism with an emphasis in digital media.

Lawson is a member of Owensboro First United Baptist Church. He’s on the men’s wrestling team and works for the CU Sports Network. Lawson also works with younger students at local schools in Campbellsville as a part of his educational journey.

In high school, he was a producer for a news production called “Eagles Nest Live” and oversaw sports coverage. He also attended every home and district competition to photograph his friends, classmates and many other students to capture their most memorable moments. Just like back at home, Lawson is continuing that passion at CU.

Lawson’s hobbies include surrounding himself around friends and family, staying in the gym, learning how to play the guitar, and listening to music. He also enjoys cheering on his favorite team, the Kentucky Wildcats. He’s been playing sports since he was 3 years old. He loves football, soccer, basketball and baseball, where he played for 11 years. Lawson is entering his sixth year in wrestling and second year at CU.

While Lawson is thankful for his natural adoption, he’s even more blessed and grateful for his spiritual adoption and prays everyone he knows can receive that, too.