Kylee Graham is accustomed to high-pressure situations, whether she is staring down a batter from the pitcher’s mound or analyzing critical patient samples in a laboratory.
A senior in medical laboratory science, Graham transferred to UToledo after two years at a college in Florida with a clear career goal: She wanted to work in medicine, but wanted to be hands-on immediately.
Senior Kylee Graham, a transfer student from Florida studying medical laboratory science, has excelled as a pitcher on the softball team and in the lab thanks to a supportive community of faculty and coaches.
“I was always interested in how the body responds to adversity,” Graham said. “While researching different majors, I discovered medical laboratory science as a detailed profession where the scientist has the responsibility of being the first person to test and analyze patient samples. It highlights all my interests in science and problem-solving.”
Now that she is a Rocket, the Pembroke Pines, Florida, native said she has no regrets about the decision to move north.
“I chose The University of Toledo because of the people and the environment,” she said. “From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt supported and welcomed. The positive energy at UToledo made it feel like home.”
Balancing a demanding STEM major with the rigors of Division I athletics is no small feat. Graham said she credits her success to the discipline she learned growing up competing with her twin sister and the support she has received from UToledo faculty.
“Managing a major like medical laboratory science while representing the school on the field has taught me strong time management,” Graham said. “Faculty like Professor Lisa Jordan and Adelle Rodriguez have been incredibly supportive. Their flexibility and genuine care for my well-being have made a big difference.”
That dedication goes both ways. Lisa Jordan, an assistant professor and director of the Medical Laboratory Science Program, recalled Graham asking to borrow a review book over the summer so she could study while traveling with the softball team.
“Kylee is an amazing student and a pleasure to be around,” Jordan said. “It is amazing to find talent in the forms of athletics, academia and a cheerful demeanor. She is a team player on the field and in the classroom.”
Graham acknowledges her biggest hurdle as a Rocket wasn’t the coursework or the competition — it was adjusting to Ohio’s winters. But the rewards have far outweighed the cold, particularly the experience of leading her team to the MAC Tournament last year.
“Being part of that journey and watching our hard work pay off has been incredibly rewarding,” she said.
As she approaches her graduation in May, Graham, who is on clinical rotations this semester, is looking ahead, hoping to combine her degree with more international travel, which already includes playing softball in Germany, Puerto Rico, Italy and Japan.
“I plan to take my board exam for certification, and once I’m licensed, I’m considering using my degree overseas while continuing to play softball,” Graham said. “I love the idea of combining my career with my passion for travel and the sport.”