Kayla Owens

Kayla Owens is a dedicated professional in the field of athletics and public relations, with a strong educational background and extensive experience in coordinating programs and events that support student-athletes and promote diversity and inclusion. Owens earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Texas Tech University, graduating summa cum laude in December 2019. This academic foundation was further strengthened with a Master of Science in Sports Management from Georgetown University, completed in August 2022, equipping her with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in an ever-competitive collegiate athletics landscape.

Currently, Owens serves as the P.A.W. Journey Coordinator for Clemson Football, a role undertaken in June 2023. In this position, she leads the internal and external logistics for P.A.W. Journey, the player relations department for Clemson Football. In doing so, she oversees tasks such as venue reservations, promotional material distribution, and guest accommodations. Owens also manages daily office administration, including budget maintenance and travel logistics for staff and scholar-athletes, while acting as a liaison between P.A.W. Journey and various departments within Clemson Athletics. Committed to mentorship, Owens provides guidance to Clemson Football scholar-athletes, facilitating group presentations and individual meetings to support their academic, athletic, and life journeys.

Prior to this role, Owens served as the Student-Athlete Programs Assistant at the Big 12 Conference from July 2021 to June 2023. During this time, she played a pivotal role in advising the Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), helping student leaders develop programs and advocate for their peers’ interests. Owens efficiently coordinated significant events, including the annual Summer Leadership Retreat and the inaugural Big 12 Cup competition. Notably, Owens was instrumental in launching initiatives focused on equity and inclusion, organizing virtual Safe Zone training to foster LGBTQ+ equity and leading community engagement efforts such as the Big 12 Day of Service.

In addition to these experiences, she has contributed to major NCAA events, including assisting with operational logistics for the Men’s March Madness Basketball Tournament and serving on game management staff for the Women’s Final Four Tournament. Early in her career, Owens held roles at Espy Sports Group, where she organized player-led equity initiatives and managed event logistics for high-profile athletic events, as well as serving in various capacities that focused on community engagement and volunteer coordination.

Through a combination of academic excellence and practical experience, Kayla Owens has developed a robust skill set that encompasses event management, strategic planning, and advocacy for student-athletes. With a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and the well-being of scholar-athletes, she continues to make significant contributions to the field of athletics and beyond.