Citlaly Campa: Choosing Her Passion Over Everyone Else’s Plan

Citlaly Campa ’25 entered college thinking she’d pursue a career in biology, studying cells and systems.

But she soon discovered her passion wasn’t under the microscope — it was in the sports industry, where storytelling, strategy and sports media captured her curiosity.

Campa wears her Newman graduation cap and gown on campus.

The first-generation college student originally transferred to Newman from Salina, Kansas.

When she started her journey as a Jet, she had an idea of what she wanted to do for a career, or so she thought.

Although she was originally enrolled in science courses, she talked about sports all the time.

“I thought about how much I love sports,” Campa said. “I thought, ‘I should just do something with sports.’”

So she became a sports media and promotion major.

“I think deciding to move away from biology and choose what I actually wanted to do instead of what other people wanted me to do made a big difference,” Campa said.

Campa cited her Newman experience as a reason for finding her footing.

“I found peace and finished my degree here,” she said. “It required a lot of growing. I changed mentally and physically a lot over these four years.”

The struggles of being a transfer student

Coming in as a transfer student, Campa didn’t know anyone.

“I had to figure out everything on my own — financial aid, class schedules and just how to navigate college life,” she said. “It was overwhelming at times, but it also pushed me to be independent and resourceful.”

Campa especially appreciated the close-knit learning environment. This was a selling point for Campa’s little sister, who will enter Newman as a first-year student in August.

“I told her, ‘Small classes, small campus, but a big city if you want to explore — but you can also stay in your area,’” Campa said.

She credits her academic advisor and Assistant Dean for Arts and Sciences Audrey Hane, Ph.D., for making a significant impact on her journey. Campa said she could approach Hane with any question and always left feeling cared for.

What Campa’s academic stole meant to her

When Campa walked the stage at commencement to receive her diploma, she had a graduation stole for diversity and inclusion around her neck.

“As a Mexican, first-generation college student, the stole represents the hard work, sacrifices and challenges my family and I have faced to get to this point,” Campa said. “It is a symbol of my journey, the struggles I’ve overcome and the pride I feel in reaching this milestone.”

Campa’s background has made her passionate about a specific factor in the sports industry — diversity and inclusion.

“I want to use my experiences to help create spaces where people from all backgrounds feel like they belong — whether that’s in the classroom, in sports media or beyond,” Campa said.

Campa is also passionate about giving women’s sports the attention they deserve.

“Women’s sports deserve more visibility and support, and I want to help create marketing strategies that not only grow the game but also make female athletes feel valued and included,” Campa said.

In the future, Campa plans to pursue a master’s degree in communication. She would love to one day work in marketing with a professional women’s sports team.

“I want to help with fan engagement and all that,” Campa said. “That’s the dream.”