Kayli Tolleson developed a passion for performing and sports at Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA), shaping her interest in sports media. A 2017 graduate, Tolleson combined her love for the stage with her athletic interests, creating a unique blend of skills that set her on the path to success. A diverse background and solid educational foundation led her to unexpected and fulfilling career opportunities.
Tolleson's connection to CATA began during elementary school when she attended a summer camp hosted by the academy. Her love for performing ignited more with her first performance as a munchkin in "The Wizard of Oz" during that camp.
"I had also expressed my interest in film and television to one of my teachers. He told my mom we should look into it," she said. "From ages nine to 18, I did film and television work up and down the East Coast. I lived in New York for a short time, too."
When she reached Piedmont Middle, her enthusiasm for performing had only intensified, making CATA a natural choice for her high school education. The familiarity with the staff and the extensive curriculum contributed to her decision.
CATA offered Tolleson more than just performing arts education. She took various courses that honed essential skills, particularly in public speaking.
"We also had musical theater and tech theater classes. My junior and senior years were primarily theater performances, which helped with my public speaking, script reading and memorization."
Her achievements extended beyond the arts. Tolleson's determination and initiative shone through when she successfully campaigned for a girls' golf team at CATA. Under the guidance of Coach Mike Jacobus, she excelled, ranking 31st in North Carolina and helping her team secure a fourth-place finish in the state during her senior year.
"I went to the athletic director and was like, 'Hey, why isn't there a girls' golf team and Mr. Jacobus stepped up to be our coach," she said. "I made it to the States my sophomore year, and then we all had a great senior year."
Volunteering also played a significant role in Tolleson's high school experience, particularly her involvement with the Monroe City Council. This volunteer work later influenced her future job selections.
"At the time, I didn't realize how that would weave its way into some of my careers," she said. "You just never know what experiences will have a continued impact."
One of the memorable moments of Tolleson's high school years was reconnecting with Dr. Adam Tarlton, her once preschool teacher, who taught her English I at CATA. This familiar face in a new environment made it even more special. Tolleson fondly recalls the lasting impact all her teachers had on her.
"It was a 'what a small world' moment," she said. "It was also a great way to start my first year at CATA. I loved his classes."
After high school, Tolleson attended High Point University, where she graduated in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in sports media and a minor in sports management. While at the university, she served as an on-court and on-field emcee for the Greensboro Swarm, an NBA G League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets, and the High Point Rockers, a minor league baseball team. Tolleson continued to expand her knowledge and skills, completing a master's degree in communications and business leadership. Things were aligning for her until COVID-19 hit.
"I worked with the Greensboro Swarm throughout my sophomore and mostly junior year. I was running the game promotions and emceeing. Due to COVID, they had to stop the season, which put me out of my first job," she said. "When I was in school for my master's degree, I worked for the High Point Rockers doing on-court emceeing. I was balancing working with them, taking courses and working in the university's admissions office."
Working in the admissions office, Tolleson used her public speaking skills, met new people and showcased her alma mater, which included giving tours. That later led to a career in alumni engagement at High Point University and the University of North Carolina Charlotte, where she leveraged her skills to build connections and promote volunteerism. However, her heart remained in sports. When an opportunity arose three years later at Firethorne Country Club, a private golf course, she eagerly embraced the role of member experience coordinator. This position allows her to create memorable events and experiences for club members.
"It's exciting to be back in the field I love," she said.
Tolleson's advice to students navigating their career choices is to explore every opportunity and remain open to different paths. She emphasizes taking risks, as she did when choosing CATA or exploring other careers. She recognizes that diverse experiences can lead to discovering true passions.
"Through admissions and alumni engagement, I was able to find bits and pieces of the work I was doing and put it back into my sports career," she said. "If I didn't work in admissions, I may never have learned event management. I might not have learned how to plan, promote and execute an event. I also learned which environments I thrived in and developed a more business-oriented approach to my career."
Tolleson recommends keeping an open mind when choosing colleges. Choosing High Point University was a pivotal decision for her. High Point allowed her to interact with industry pros and work with esteemed professors like Joe Michaels, a former producer for NBC's "Today Show," and other notable leaders in sports and media.
"There were so many opportunities for students to meet with professionals in the field," she said. "I got to meet Bob Ryan, a beat reporter with the Boston Celtics. I met Cynt Marshalls, the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, and spoke to her one of the times she came to campus. I would text her casually and receive an internship but didn't have the finances to be able to take it."
Reflecting on her college selection process, she shared some advice.
"I carefully considered my college options and submitted applications to several schools. Students need to assess their abilities and make realistic decisions. If they don't get into their top-choice college, they should view it as a chance to explore other opportunities. I didn't realize I wanted to pursue sports management until I took one of my initial classes, and that's when I decided to make it my minor."
Tolleson's journey from Union County Public Schools to her current position has taught her a crucial lesson: every skill acquired can be applied somehow, ensuring that nothing is ever wasted.
07/19/2024
