Paynter grew up in Denville Township, New Jersey[1] and graduated from Morris Knolls High School in 1989.

[3] She was a member of the Texas team that won the NCAA Women's Tennis Championship in 1993, beating Florida 5–2 in Gainesville.

With partner Susan Gilchrist she formed the nation's top ranked doubles combination in college tennis, with their win over Laxmi Poruri and Heather Willens securing the title.

Her best WTA Tour performances came in 1995 when she reached the doubles semi-finals of tournaments in Hobart and Houston.

Settling in Texas, she is the co-founder of Austin-based web design company Dot Command Center, which she runs with husband Rich Finney.