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Southern Nazarene University Athletics

General 10/28/2025 9:36:00 AM Mia Moddelmog, Director of Athletics Communications

SNU Athletics Alumni Spotlight: Kayla Thomas

SNU Athletics is proud to recognize former SNU volleyball player, Kayla Thomas

BETHANY, Okla. — Southern Nazarene Athletics is proud to highlight alumna and former Crimson Storm volleyball player, Kayla Thomas, for her inspiring journey from Texas roots to servant leadership in healthcare and her community.

Thomas was born and raised in Houston and New Braunfels, Texas, in a Christ-centered home alongside her parents and younger brother. The Thomas family lived by the motto "God, Family, and Everything Else," a foundation that would guide Kayla throughout her life and career.

Her introduction to volleyball came through family as well. Her aunt, a former All-American volleyball player at South Carolina State University, first introduced her to the sport. That early spark quickly grew into a passion that would shape her future.

Kayla first discovered Southern Nazarene University through the volleyball recruitment process. When she arrived on campus for her visit, she was greeted warmly by Coaches Kevin Ingram and Nikki Dieball, student athletes, professors, and alumni, an experience she described as unforgettable. After visiting several other schools, Thomas knew her heart was set on SNU. On the drive home from her final college visit, before she even received an official offer, she called Coach Ingram and committed to joining the Crimson Storm.

Her time at SNU was both enriching and transformative. Competing in volleyball while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, Thomas immersed herself in campus life beyond the court. She participated in the McNair Scholars Program, JOY Sisterhood, SNU News, served as a small group leader, and even completed a NASA-sponsored internship on campus. She credits SNU for shaping her perspective on community and unity.

After graduating from SNU in 2020, Thomas continued her academic journey at Emory University, where she earned a Masters of Public Health in Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences. Today, she serves as a Family Care Coordinator for LifeLink of Georgia, where she guides families through the organ donation process.

Now living in Georgia, Kayla remains deeply involved in her community as a high school feeder volleyball director and coach. She is also an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue building her family and expanding her community based health advocacy efforts, all while carrying forward the lessons she learned at SNU.

When asked what Southern Nazarene University means to her today, Thomas summed it up in two words: "Friendship and loyalty."

Thomas credits SNU for nurturing her servant-leadership mindset and visionary outlook, qualities that continue to influence her professional and personal life.

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