Director of Athletics and Compliance Officer

Bio

Kayla Felty returned to Penn State Schuylkill in August 2023 as Director of Athletics after previously serving as the Assistant Athletic Director for Eligibility and Recruitment from 2019 to 2022. A Schuylkill County native from Pine Grove, Felty has dedicated her career to building successful teams and creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive both on and off the field.

A graduate of Nativity BVM High School, Felty is the most decorated athlete in school history. As a four-sport standout, she earned 18 league medals, 18 district medals, and five state championship medals across four sports and 13 events. Her accomplishments led to her induction into the inaugural Nativity BVM Hall of Fame and later into the Southern Schuylkill Tubby Allen-Chet Rogowicz Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Her athletic career continued at Villanova University, where she played softball while earning a Bachelor of Science in Comprehensive Science, before attending West Chester University to play basketball and complete a Master of Science in Sport and Athletic Administration.

Felty's coaching and administrative experience spans multiple institutions. She served as Assistant Women's Basketball Coach and Assistant Sports Information Director at Guilford College before spending eight years at Bryn Athyn College. There, she built the institution's first-ever women's basketball program, leading the inaugural team in 2013 and earning NEAC Coach of the Year honors during a 20-6 season in 2016-17. During her time away from Penn State Schuylkill, she also served as a K-6 STEAM teacher at Minersville Area Elementary, continuing her commitment to educating and mentoring young people.

When asked what inspired her career in athletics, Felty points to her lifelong love of sports and teamwork.

"My passion for athletics and continuing to build and thrive in a team environment."

While no two days are ever the same, she jokingly describes her daily responsibilities as:

"Spreadsheets, put out fires, more spreadsheets."

Behind the humor is a leader focused on the bigger picture. Her goal is simple:

"To continue to give students the tools to find success in their sport and in their academics, win PSUAC championships, and receive Academic All-American honors."

One of Felty's favorite memories at Penn State Schuylkill came while preparing for the women's basketball championship ring ceremony.

"Putting together a giant balloon arch with my assistants and athletic trainers for the women's basketball ring ceremony."

For Felty, the people around her are what make the department special.

"My staff is my glue. Our athletic department is made up of driven, talented, and caring people who truly care about the experience our athletes have when they choose PSU Schuylkill. Our trainers are top-notch and provide a safe space for athletes to rehab and recover both physically and mentally. Liv always blows me away with the way she uses her creativity to bring new life to our athletics through social outlets and showcasing our athletes' accolades in ways that were never done before. Owen provides stability with his calm demeanor and structure in handling the stress of game day management. Sam is my saving grace with her efficiency to keep transportation, budgets, and weekly agendas running smoothly for the entire department. Lastly, our coaches are genuinely great people, and I value the quality coaching and life preparation they provide to their teams. They each help balance the workload and give me the support I need each and every day. Schuylkill is special."

Outside of athletics, Felty has a hidden musical talent.

"I used to play the trombone and was in the jazz band in middle school."

Her advice to students reflects the mindset she hopes every student-athlete carries throughout their college experience.

"Show up and give your best every day. You control your attitude and outlook, so always try to find the positive in the moment."

Felty encourages students to stop by with any questions, particularly about athletic eligibility, but also reminds them that her door is always open. At the heart of her leadership is a genuine commitment to supporting every student-athlete and continuing to strengthen the Penn State Schuylkill athletics family.

Kayla currently resides in Pine Grove with her fiancé, Derrell, the offensive coordinator for the football team at Thiel College, and their two sons, Jaxon ("Crash") and Jett.