Spring Graduation Spotlight: Kaylen McNatt

Kaylen McNatt will graduate from Hardin-Simmons University on Friday, May 10, 2024, majoring in fitness, recreation, and sports management with a minor in marketing. Originally from Denton, Texas, she transferred to HSU as a junior in 2022. “Looking back, I know that the Lord led me here,” she shared. 

Throughout her time at HSU, Kaylen played on the women’s soccer team and participated in intramurals. In 2022 and 2023, she was recognized as the HSU Tri-College FCA Student of the Year, All-Conference Award. 

When asked what she loved the most about HSU, she mentioned the HSU Soccer Complex, where she spent much of her time playing soccer for HSU. She is thankful for the incredible women who constantly encouraged her and the gift of building each other up.

I love HSU because the community that I found here has led me to grow deeper in my faith and to fully surrender my life to Christ.

In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and other activities. If you sign her up for any outdoor activity that involves competition, she will be there. 

Kaylen would like to thank Ashley Stamps, one of the women’s soccer team’s assistant coaches, for mentoring her and making a significant impact on her life. “Ashley is not just my coach but also a spiritual leader. She demonstrates integrity, commitment, honesty, and compassion daily to everyone around her,” she said. 

Kaylen’s favorite scripture is Matthew 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount. Specifically, she loves Matthew 7:13-14 which says, “Enter through the narrow fate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it, but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” “I love this verse because it reminds me that following Jesus is not always going to be comfortable and easy, but this verse gives me hope of life abundantly spent with him,” she explained. 

Her advice to HSU students is to “find community whether at church, in your academic spheres, or on your athletic team. Find people that you want your life to reflect and build deep relationships with them. Plant yourself in a flourishing garden!” 

Congratulations Kaylen!