Kaylyn Smith ’10, assistant director of athletic facilities and operations at Wheaton College, received the 2017 Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award at an October 15 ceremony.
Kaylyn majored in Psychology and Education while playing basketball all of her four years at Western New England and field hockey for one season. “As a student, she was an exceptional ambassador for the Department of Athletics at Western New England. She represented the three pillars of athletics, academics, and citizenship,” said Cyndi Costanzo, the former assistant director of athletics at Western New England University. Cyndi presented Kaylyn with the honor.
After graduation, Kaylyn went on to receive her Masters of Education in Physical Education/Athletic Administration from Springfield College in 2012. She served as the assistant commissioner and senior woman administrator for the Commonwealth Coast Conference for two years before joining Wheaton Athletics in 2015. Kaylyn began her professional career with an impressive appointment as the assistant to the athletic director at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, having earned the NCAA ethnic minority and women’s professional internship, an effort by the NCAA to provide innovative opportunities to young professional women pursuing careers in athletic administration. Successful candidates must demonstrate outstanding work ethic and exceptional personal character to be considered, which Kaylyn has an abundance of, according to Cyndi. Kaylyn is someone who “is completely full of passion” and who “cares deeply and commits herself, both feet in, to a cause, a job, and most importantly, her relationships,” Cyndi said. Following the two-year NCAA internship, Kaylyn was recognized as an Administrator of Tomorrow by the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators.
Cyndi insisted that the students in attendance learn from Kaylyn’s passion for a job well done, pride in community, and devoted care to friends and family as hallmarks of success.
Kaylyn also had advice for the students. “Western New England provided me with fond memories and a strong foundation going into my career,” she said. “You’ve been prepped for success. You just have to take the initiative and go for it.”
The Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated a commitment to Western New England University and its mission with contributions and service to society or accomplishment and leadership in their profession.
Are you aware of a young alumnus/a who is achieving great things? Contact the Office of Alumni relations at alumwne@wne.edu and let us know!
