As a celebrated athlete in the sport of flag football as well as an academic superstar, Keiser University freshman Ashlea Klam is redefining the view many have on women’s sports while exemplifying that success – both on the field and in the classroom can go hand in hand.

While growing up in her hometown of Austin, Texas, Klam shared that she regularly played a variety of sports, so a career in major league baseball or with the National Football League did not seem too far off. Now, just twelve years after first being inspired by her brother Peyton and his flag football team back when she was just seven years old, she has enjoyed her role on the 2023 Women’s U.S. National Flag Football Team while maintaining a 4.0-grade point average as a Keiser University student-athlete.

Klam is continually setting her sites on the 2028 line-up as flag football joins four other new sports in the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and says she would not have it any other way.

“I couldn’t imagine my life not revolving around sports,” she said while adding that she’s thankful for the support of Keiser University coaches, professors, and teammates. “I chose Keiser University because of the amazing flag football program. When I first watched their team in person, I was reminded of my flag football organization back home, Texas Fury, as it competes with great sportsmanship, competitiveness, and a family environment. I enjoyed my visit because Coach Hilliker and all of the girls were very welcoming, and the campus made me feel like I was home. From being in a dorm with all flag girls, the amazing professors always helping me, and the flag program making sure I am always on top of my game, this school has supported me in ways I can’t imagine, and it’s great to go to a college that recognizes flag football importance,” she said.

Klam’s dedication continues to pay off as she now prepares to try out for the 2024 U.S. National Flag Football Team spot. She recently sat down with journalist Mary Omatiga to share details of her journey for this NBC Sports article titled Flag Football has no Ceiling: Ashlea Klam on Her Journey to the Women’s U.S. National Team.

Klam encourages others to ‘never let people tell you what you can and can’t do,’ and shared that one of her favorite aspects of the sport is the connections she makes. “I know people from all over the world who share the same love for flag football that I do. This sport is way more than a game, it has provided me with friendships for a lifetime, and that’s what flag football is all about,” she smiled.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science in Sports Management is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for a career in the sports industry. The sports industry is one of the largest segments of the economy, and opportunities for careers exist in international, professional, amateur, and collegiate sports, as well as in tourism, recreation, and private sports enterprises. The Keiser curriculum focuses on the business aspects of the sports industry, including marketing, management, law, sales, economics, and finance. The program is offered as a 120-credit program and a 60-credit degree completion program. Students enrolling in the degree completion program must have an approved Associate’s degree.