In an 8th grade National Honor Society event, Kelly (Kyle) Kidd ’16 proudly declared that she wanted to work in orthopedics and play Division I volleyball when she grew up.

Now, years later, Kidd has made both dreams a reality. The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences graduate spent her collegiate experience preparing for a career as a physician assistant (PA) in orthopedics while simultaneously competing as a member of the Butler women’s volleyball team.

Initially recruited to Butler for athletics, Kidd quickly recognized that the University would also provide a launchpad for her career aspirations. Upon admission, she was selected to be a part of the then-offered auto advanced Master’s in PA Studies program.

She completed her rotations in Indianapolis and ultimately confirmed that she wanted to pursue her passion in the field of orthopedics. In addition to confirming her career choice, the program allowed her to build lasting relationships with classmates and professors alike.

Despite a rigorous course schedule, Kidd’s passion for volleyball and competing at the collegiate level never wavered. This was largely due to the Butler women’s volleyball team and coaches, who provided constant encouragement and a warm, supportive atmosphere.

Early on in her collegiate athletic career, Kidd was recognized for her impressive contributions in a publication that featured Deaf and hard of hearing athletes. Her feature caught the eye of Coach Lynn Ray Boren of the Women’s USA Deaf Volleyball Team, who reached out to gauge her interest in joining the team and representing her country on an international stage.

Kidd was honored to be recruited and presented with such an incredible opportunity.

“When someone asks you to come play for the US Team, it’s a pretty cool opportunity, especially for a college student,” she reflects.

That year, she joined the team and they finished fourth at the 22nd Summer Deaflympics in Bulgaria, an unforgettable experience for Kidd.

“In 2013, during my first Olympic experience, I had no idea what to expect,” she says. “To be a part of the opening ceremony and compete at that level, it was an amazing experience.”

Kidd played with the US Women’s Deaf Team until 2019 and made an impressive impact on the program. Not only did she forge meaningful relationships with her team and coaches, but she also had the opportunity to achieve incredible feats. She reflects especially fondly on the 2016 season, when the team hosted and won gold in both the Pan American Games and the USA Volleyball Open.

In addition to competing at an elite level with the team, Kidd was also proud to be a part of a program that consistently works to advance the athletic opportunities available to Deaf and hard of hearing players. The organization is always looking to promote new ways for players to get involved in volleyball, whether it be through the creation of developmental teams or through highlighting various athletic opportunities available to players.

After a brief hiatus from the team to start a family, Kidd was selected to return this year to compete with the program. She will be competing in Tokyo in November at the 25th Summer Deaflympics, where the women’s team will battle for the gold. She’s thrilled to bring her loved ones along for the ride.

“I’m looking forward to the fact that my family will be joining me and can experience this final Deaflympics with me,” she says. “I have a great support system behind me, and I’m very thankful. My kids are very young and may not remember these moments together, but I look forward to making memories with them during this experience and looking back on them in the future.”

Reminiscing on her athletic career, Kidd acknowledges that her family, her faith, and all the individuals who have supported her along the way have made a meaningful impact on her journey.

“My husband, kids, and parents have been incredibly supportive throughout the years,” she says. “Additionally, fundraising is a key aspect of the sport, and anyone who has donated or cheered me on from afar has helped make these dreams a reality. I’m so grateful for their support.”