UNCG's Campbell Is Second To None

“If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” – Chinese proverb

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Helping others is one of Kayla Campbell’s core values that make her special. 

The 5-foot, 8-inch UNC Greensboro (UNCG) senior defender knows that selflessness is a powerful pathway to personal growth and lasting happiness. Hence, it’s one of many reasons, the UNCG women’s soccer standout is constantly flashing her golden grin. 

The speech, language and pathology major from Rockwall, Texas is always focused on others. 

“I want to be a speech and language pathologist for adults while helping post-stroke victims and people with brain injuries, rehabilitating them and re-teaching them how to eat and speak and stuff like that,” said Campbell Tuesday morning during intermittent drops of rain following the first day of women’s soccer practice. 

“I’ve always wanted to do something to help people. I had an old friends’ mom (work in speech, language, and pathology). When I watched her and I learned about it, I loved it and I knew it was something I wanted to do. It’s just the best way I know how to help people in a way that helps them rehabilitate and learn.”

Helping others has been a part of Campbell’s DNA.

During her junior and senior years in high school, Campbell taught second and third graders math and english at various elementary schools in her town. 

Campbell has also made a significant impact on the UNCG athletics department with her willingness to use her voice as an agent of change. This past year, Campbell became a part of the UNCG Black Student-Athlete Association (BSAA) where she served as one of the student-athlete well-being chairs.

The purpose of BSAA was to provide a safe space for UNCG’s Black student-athletes to express themselves and to create a community committed to education, amplifying voices, and unity. 

A two-way threat on the field, Campbell earned a spot on the All-Southern Conference Freshman team in 2018. She was named to the All-SoCon Second Team as a sophomore in 2019. All five of her goals that season, which were second on the team, were off of corner kicks.  

Campbell has helped UNCG win 29 matches, win one SoCon Tournament championship, and make an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. It’s been a cherished career of memories for Campbell, who has been playing soccer since she was 4 years old. 

Off the field, Campbell is a sterling student in the classroom. She was named to the All-SoCon Academic Honor Roll team earlier this year. Overall, the women’s soccer program enjoyed the highest overall grade point average in the athletics department this past spring. 

“We take so much pride in our work in the classroom,” Campbell said. “We do better each year because we hold each other accountable. We push each other. Our grades are just as important as our play on the field.”

Campbell, who has found time to watch “Love Island” is also an avid reader. She is currently reading plenty of self-help and motivational books. 

Throughout her time at UNCG, Campbell has been the walking embodiment of lifting others as she rises to excellence. It’s no wonder she is looking forward to her future as she cherishes the present. 

“Every one of our players, past and present, have respect for her,” UNCG head women’s soccer coach Michael Coll said. “She really brings people together. Any player can go to her for advice, an opinion or as a sounding board. She is equally approachable for all of her teammates and that’s a tremendous thing.”

While she’s accumulated plenty of phenomenal statistics and lifetime memories, the reality is Campbell’s most meaningful work is ahead of her.  

UNCG