Raised in Las Vegas, Kaitlyn Amaral (’18 BA Communication Studies) graduated from Silverado High School before setting out to play college softball in  Kansas and then North Dakota. Eventually, her path led back to Southern Nevada, where she finished her degree at UNLV. She also worked as a student assistant in the athletic department’s communications office and interned with a new sports outfit in town — the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights.

After UNLV, she headed to Southern California. A year’s stint with NFL’s Los Angeles Rams was followed by her first full-time gig back on the collegiate level — overlooking the Pacific Ocean as a staffer for Pepperdine University. However, Amaral returned home a second time just last November, taking over as the communications director for the UNLV softball squad and championship Lady Rebel basketball team.

Describe your job in one sentence.

I cover both of my sports for our website and social media platforms and help tell our student-athletes’ stories.

What inspired you to get into your field?

When I was a student-athlete, I became intrigued about all that went into our games. Ever since I started to intern in the athletic communications field, I knew this is exactly what I wanted to do for "work."

Do you have any mentors in this business?

The one that sticks out the most to me is Sarah Otteman. I met her in 2014 in a small town in Kansas as I came back for my sophomore year at Dodge City Community College, and I wanted a work-study job. The day we met, she was hosting a media day for our men’s soccer team, and as they were taking photos, the smiles and laughter for everyone there was something I enjoyed and wanted to be a part of. Sarah also became one of my best friends, and we were later reunited at my first full-time job, which was special. 

What was it like returning to work at your alma mater?

Coming back home to Las Vegas was something I never saw coming. I know working in this field takes you places you would have never imagined, but getting to come back home to the city I grew up in and work for my alma mater has been a dream come true.

Is this what you thought you’d do when you grew up?

No. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a doctor or a veterinarian, but science was not my specialty. After that, I wanted to be an athletic trainer, but again — science! When I started playing softball in eighth grade, that’s when I knew I wanted to work in sports.

Tell us about an object in your office and what it represents to you.

I have a sign on my desk that says "Living The Dream" that my dad got me for Christmas. Living the dream is something I say to myself all the time when things get hard or overwhelming. 

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

That I am a complete introvert. 

What was the last show you binge-watched?

I binge-watched Full Swing on Netflix. I’ve never really been into golf much, but I learned so much watching that docuseries.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Singing in the car like no one is watching.

You were able to experience immediate success with one of your teams — what stood out most to you about the Lady Rebels' season that included more Mountain West championships?

The camaraderie from top to bottom throughout the entire program. When I first got here, the entire squad welcomed me with open arms and made me feel a part of the team. Seeing them work together on and off the court with a winning mentality was great to work alongside.

What is the best road trip you have taken as a sports information director?

I have two. During the 2021 women’s soccer season, I went to the NCAA Tournament at Florida State for the Sweet 16 with the Pepperdine Waves. Those nine days were long but an amazing opportunity. My second favorite was this past season when the Lady Rebels went to New York for a week. Getting to know the players and coaching staff early on was great and being in New York with the team was a ton of fun.

What has been your greatest day on campus?

My greatest day on campus was becoming a Rebel back in fall of 2016. As much as I always said I wanted to go to college outside of Las Vegas, I did that — and somehow still found my way back home.