Net Gains

ACC Defensive Star Erynn Floyd Juggles Business and the Goal Box

Balancing the demand of being a Division I soccer player and obtaining a degree is no easy task, but for University of Louisville College of Business marketing major and women’s soccer goalkeeper Erynn Floyd, the challenges have been just as rewarding as the victories. Growing up in a fiercely competitive family in Connecticut, Floyd was surrounded by role models who set the standard of success on and off the field. That drive carried her to UofL where she’s made her mark as both a student and an athlete. With 23 career wins, five academic awards, being named the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Week and countless lessons learned along the way, Floyd has thrived under pressure—on the field and in the classroom. Floyd reflects on her journey, proudest moments and the skills she will carry long after the final whistle.

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College of Business: Please share with us more about your background. 

Erynn Floyd: [I was] born and raised in Wilton, Connecticut [and] am the youngest of three. I have an older brother and sister and was raised in an athletic and competitive family. My dad, older sister, many cousins and [other extended family] were collegiate athletes. I also grew up in [an equally] athletic and competitive county, where it was incredibly common for high school athletes to continue their sports collegiately and even more specifically at a Power 4 program. 

College of Business: How did you initially get into soccer and why did you choose to continue that passion? 

Erynn Floyd: I’ve been playing for as long as I can remember. My parents were both athletes and my older sister loved soccer early on, it was just one of the first sports I had been introduced to. I grew to love the competitive nature of the game and the connections it has given me. Soccer has shaped so much of who I am–it’s pushed me to grow in ways I never expected, both on and off the field. The opportunities to travel, meet new people and build lifelong friendships are things I’ll never take for granted. Being a collegiate student-athlete has truly been a blessing.  

College of Business: What led you to choose the University of Louisville? 

Erynn Floyd: I was looking for both a competitive soccer program and strong business school. Louisville gave me the chance to play at one of the highest levels in the country while also pursuing a degree. I also loved the city–it has been nice to step outside of my northeast bubble and experience the mid-south.  

College of Business: What position do you play and why did you pick it? 

Erynn Floyd: I am a goalkeeper. I love the high-pressure situations it puts me in and being able to perform in stressful situations. It also allows me to help manage crisis as a vocal leader in the situation. I think that my athleticism really allows me to thrive, especially standing at 5’8 which is a bit shorter than the average goalkeeper. 

College of Business: What challenges have you faced as a student-athlete and how did you overcome them? 

Erynn Floyd: Time management is definitely the first challenge every student-athlete faces, especially during the season when travel and games are stacked. For me personally, the bigger challenge has been holding on to my identity outside of soccer. It’s easy to let a sport become your whole world. I’ve had times where I felt like I was only “Erynn the soccer player.” I’ve learned to step outside of that by prioritizing things that make me me, whether it’s reading, going on walks or just taking time to reset. Reminding myself that I’m a student with the opportunity to be an athlete, not the other way around, has been huge for my balance. [I] always try to remind myself how the position I am in now is one I always dreamed about and not to take it for granted.  

College of Business: What has been your proudest moment on the field? 

Erynn Floyd: This year’s season opener win against Auburn. From summer workouts, I knew this team was special. Beating a strong Southeastern Conference opponent right out of the gate showed the payoff of all the training and conditioning we put in. It was the perfect start and set the tone for the season. 

College of Business: What has been the hardest part about managing athletics and academics? 

Erynn Floyd: The hardest part for me are the missed classes and travel demands for our sport. Having a Thursday/Sunday game schedule can be difficult because it leaves [trying to finish] as many of your assignments for the week by Tuesday. Road trips often mean missing lectures and possibly exams as well. It’s easy to fall behind if you don’t stay proactive and keep an open line of communication with professors.  

College of Business: How has faculty and staff impacted your time at UofL?  

Erynn Floyd: I’ve loved the small class sizes in the College of Business—they’ve allowed me to really connect with my professors. Professor Chastain has been a standout for me, both in business statistics and data analytics. You can tell he truly cares about his students’ success and learning. Alyssa Murphy, our assistant athletic director, has been a rock for me over the past four years. She’s challenged me to have tough conversations about life after soccer and my goals in business.  

UofL: Do you see yourself going pro? How has playing soccer impacted your professional goals? 

Erynn Floyd: I’m definitely interested in pursuing a professional career in soccer. [However], balancing athletics and academics has prepared me for whatever path comes next. My marketing degree has already been so valuable – it helped me grow my social media presence and connect with an audience by sharing the behind-the-scenes side of college athletics.  

College of Business: How do you think your time as a student-athlete has prepared you for post-grad life? 

Erynn Floyd: Being a student-athlete builds so many transferable skills: time management, communication, leadership, dedication – the list goes on. Sometimes we feel behind because we miss out on traditional internships, but I’ve realized that sports themselves are training grounds for real-world skills. I had an incredible internship with Her Competitive Advantage, a company that helps female student-athletes showcase those skills in professional settings. It opened my eyes to how much we already bring to the table as we transition into the workforce.  

College of Business: How do you feel a business degree prepares student-athletes for real world situations, like managing professional agreements and opportunities outside the classroom? 

Erynn Floyd: So many classes I’ve taken at the College of Business are directly applicable to real life – like finance courses on taxes and management courses on teamwork. These aren’t just business skills, they’re life skills. The most valuable thing my business degree has given me, though, is the ability to create and foster meaningful connections, which I know will carry me far beyond the classroom. 

College of Business: Do you have any advice for new or current student-athletes? 

Erynn Floyd: Build connections with everyone – professors, classmates, coaches [and] staff. You never know when those relationships might come back around. Most people you’ll meet have either been in your shoes or understand what you’re going through, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek advice. [Also] meet with Alyssa Murphy – she’s an incredible resource and truly is in your corner.  

Your next chapter needs a game plan. Whether it is to score big or you’re just ready to make your own moves, here at the University of Louisville, we can kick start your future in marketing. Learn more at https://business.louisville.edu/academics-programs/undergraduate-programs/marketing/ 

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About the UofL College of Business: 

Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity and the power of people. 

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