Kayla Chatman-Haggerty - Courtney Beck

Plenty of Positivity's Rising Star:

✨ Kayla Chatman-Haggerty ✨

Elevating Leaders for Tomorrow

This is a special segment of Plenty of Positivity where we highlight Rising Stars who exemplify excellence and focus on positivity in their lives to make their dreams come true, while providing others hope and inspiration to chase after their dreams. We are committed to elevating leaders for tomorrow.

Plenty of Positivity welcomes Kayla Chatman-Haggerty!

Personal growth and mindset: Emphasizes continuous improvement, resilience, and a calm, positive mindset under pressure.
Humility and team culture: Highlights servant leadership, mutual respect, and putting the team first to build a strong, positive environment.
Purpose and legacy: Encourages leaving things better than you found them, fostering a sense of long-term impact and pride.

Growing up, I was taught that the only person who can control your effort is yourself—no one else can dictate it or take it away. Always give your full effort, and with a positive mindset, you’ll fuel your motivation, overcome adversity, and remember – being positive costs nothing. – Kayla C-H.

✨ How has a positive mindset shaped your "Life, Sport, Career"?

A positive mindset has been a driving force in shaping my life, sport, and career. It has guided me through adversity and fueled my relentless pursuit of personal and professional goals. As a graduate student in the DeVos Sport Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida (UCF), I’ve learned that staying optimistic not only enhances my academic journey but also accelerates my development as an athlete and future leader.

As a current member of the UCF Women’s Soccer Team, I’ve found that a positive outlook is essential, not only for individual growth but also for being a supportive and reliable teammate. Like any sport, soccer is filled with highs and lows, whether it’s facing a tough opponent, recovering from injury, or dealing with the pressure to perform. In fall 2021, I broke my ankle, presenting a major challenge both physically and mentally. Still, my mindset helped me stay resilient and determined to return stronger. That experience reinforced my belief in perseverance and strengthened my ability to balance athletics and academics with commitment and passion.

Positivity is also crucial in building strong, unified teams. A positive mindset uplifts others and fosters an encouraging atmosphere where athletes feel empowered to persevere. This shared energy fuels motivation and creates a sense of unity, driving everyone toward a common goal. Sport has the unique ability to bring people together from diverse backgrounds, and it’s through collective positivity that resilience and camaraderie are truly built.

Throughout my athletic career, there have been moments when the pressure to perform felt overwhelming. In those times, maintaining a positive perspective helped me stay focused on long-term goals and push through adversity. Even when mentally or physically drained, I’ve trusted that my effort and persistence would pay off. My faith in God has also strengthened my resolve, reminding me that I’m never alone in my journey.

Professionally, this mindset has been just as vital. In roles spanning marketing, fan engagement, and community relations, I’ve embraced challenges as opportunities for growth. Whether working on campaigns or connecting with fans, I approach every project with optimism and a solution-oriented attitude. As a Division I athlete, I understand the responsibility that comes with visibility. Younger athletes are watching constantly, and I take pride in encouraging them to stay positive, not only in sports but in life. Encouraging them to maintain a positive mindset through adversity has been among the most rewarding aspects of my journey.

As I continue to pursue a career in the sports industry, I know my positive mindset will remain at the heart of my journey. It has shaped my ability to overcome challenges, lead with intention, and cultivate meaningful relationships across every area of my life.

Photo Credit: Kayla Chatman-Haggerty

About Me

I am currently a graduate student at the University of Central Florida, enrolled in the DeVos Sport Business Management Program, where I am pursuing both an MBA and a Master’s in Sport Business Management. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi. I am originally from Seattle, Washington, and bring a unique perspective to my academic and athletic experiences. As a member of the UCF Women’s Soccer Team, I continue to demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and commitment, both on and off the field. My collegiate athletic journey includes playing for Gonzaga University, where I earned honors and was named to the West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team and the team’s Newcomer of the Year award. In addition, I was recognized on the SEC Preseason Watch List and the SEC Academic Honor Roll while I attended the University of Mississippi.

My athletic experiences have shaped me with a strong work ethic, exceptional time management skills, and the ability to perform under pressure. Professionally, I have gained valuable experience in marketing, fan engagement, and community relations while working with Gonzaga University Athletics, University of Mississippi Athletics, and the Oxford Park Commission.

I’m passionate about bridging the gap between sports organizations and their communities. I aim to leverage my creativity, leadership, and experience to create lasting connections and impact. I am eager to continue advancing my career in the sports industry by helping to drive its growth and evolution while inspiring others through my experiences.