Kaylyn Disbrow, a 2025 biology graduate and student athlete, returned to Newman this fall as a graduate assistant for the volleyball program and to pursue her master’s degree.
Originally from Garnett, Kansas, Disbrow began her college career at Salem University in West Virginia, but transferred to Newman her sophomore year after an injury.
“I tore my shoulder the third day of preseason for volleyball, and then I decided maybe I wanna be closer to home whenever things like that happen throughout school,” she said.
After a single tour of Newman to see if it was right for her, the choice was made.
“I took a visit to Newman, fell in love with campus, entered the portal, and signed right there,” she said. “I didn’t even talk to another school.”
Her time at Newman
Disbrow spent three years in the volleyball program at Newman while completing her degree in biology with a business minor. She said her academic goals shifted during her undergraduate studies, leading her to pursue her Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in healthcare administration.
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after school, but I knew that I loved science,” she said. “I originally thought I wanted to go to medical school, but then my mind shifted.”
She was also a part of Newman’s softball program for a short time, but due to her prior shoulder injury, volleyball became her primary sport instead.
“I couldn’t play softball after requiring more procedures to my shoulder,” she said. “Participating in athletics at Newman has been very mentally and physically challenging, but it has also been one of my biggest blessings.”
Disbrow was active across campus, serving in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee for three years and the Student Government Association for one year.
“Being a student athlete at Newman has shaped my college experience,” she said. “I think I would have had a completely different outlook on school and life if I was not a part of the athletic programs at Newman. It has brought me some of my best friends and biggest supporters for life.”
She described her overall experience at Newman as “bittersweet” because of her injuries and the mental challenges of balancing academics with athletics, but said the campus community helped her through it.
“Although there were many setbacks, it was never an option to give up because of how blessed I was with a great support system at Newman,” she said. “I wanted to be the best version of myself for my coach, my teammates and the school across my chest.”
After graduation
Now serving as a graduate assistant for the volleyball program, Disbrow said she has found fulfillment in supporting student athletes beyond just competition.
“The thing I enjoy most about being a graduate assistant is being able to support the student athletes in all aspects of collegiate athletics,” she said. “Being a support system, a coach and a resource for them is so rewarding.”
Disbrow said the role has also given her a deeper appreciation for the program.
“Having the ability to help build this program is a privilege I do not take for granted,” she said.
She is expected to complete her MBA in May of 2026. Following graduation, Disbrow plans to pursue a second master’s degree in education to teach science or math while coaching volleyball at the high school level.
Newman’s MBA program
This customizable general MBA pathway allows students greater flexibility in choosing courses that will help them serve multiple industries.
