Playing Free, Trusting the Path, and Redefining Success with Kaylie McHugh: Human Design for Athletes
May 15, 2025There are certain people who remind you what it means to show up fully—present, grounded, and in love with the game. Kaylie McHugh is one of those people.
From the moment Wendy first watched her on the sand, there was something magnetic about her presence. Her power was undeniable, but it was her focus—and the freedom she carried in her body—that struck her most. The first time Kaylie experienced a significant moment in her journey was a pivotal point that shaped her path forward. In this week’s Flashback Friday blog of What I Meant to Say, we explored the inner journey behind that presence: the identity shifts, the moments of doubt, the courage to change course, and the mental freedom that defines high-performance athletes who are truly aligned. We also discussed how athletes perform under pressure, emphasizing the importance of mental flexibility over traditional toughness.
Meet Kaylie McHugh: A Journey of Bold Moves and Bigger Purpose
Kaylie McHugh is a dedicated athlete, leader, and coach with a deep passion for the game of volleyball and the life lessons it teaches. A Florida native and the youngest of four siblings, Kaylie grew up immersed in the sport—her parents and brothers all shared a love for the game, and her father even built a volleyball club just so she’d have a place to play and grow.
Kaylie competed in both indoor and beach volleyball for Tulane University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in kinesiology. Her grit, adaptability, and leadership helped her earn multiple accolades, including 2018 Beach Volleyball All-American, All-Freshman Team, and AAC Conference Record Holder for most aces in a season. After the NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility due to COVID, she transferred to TCU to complete her sixth year and finish her collegiate career in beach volleyball while earning a second master's degree in liberal arts.
“It was hard to leave a team you gave everything to,” she said, “but I knew there was something more for me out there.” That sentence landed deeply. So often, growth means honoring our past while still being brave enough to reach for more. Kaylie’s story reminds us that even when it’s uncomfortable, choosing alignment over attachment is a powerful act of self-respect. Her journey was a transformative process, involving significant steps and decisions that shaped her path. Looking forward, Kaylie eagerly anticipated new opportunities and challenges.
Kaylie brings a grounded, focused presence to everything she does—whether it's stepping onto the court or building up her teammates through communication and connection. Her love for coaching is rooted in a desire to help young athletes thrive not just as players, but as people. With a future aimed at collegiate coaching, she continues to lead by example, showing what it means to embrace challenge, value team culture, and play with freedom.
When she’s not coaching or competing, you’ll find her outdoors—longboarding, slacklining, or soaking in the joy of movement. Kaylie lives with purpose and playfulness, always growing, always giving.
Human Design Reflections: Playing Your Role
While they didn’t get into her specific Human Design chart during the interview, Kaylie’s story naturally embodies the essence of someone living in alignment with their design. She follows her gut, takes bold leaps when opportunities arise, and keeps checking in with herself about what feels authentic.
“Our path is already made—we’re just walking it.”
That quote alone reflects a deep trust in timing and intuition—a core tenet of Human Design. Whether you’re a Generator lighting up through response or a Projector waiting for recognition, Kaylie’s approach is a reminder that when we stop forcing and start flowing, the right opportunities appear.
She also shared how her mindset has shifted over the years—from being hard on herself to setting small, daily goals and celebrating progress. In Human Design, these incremental steps build energetic momentum and keep us moving in a way that feels sustainable rather than depleting. Engaging in this daily practice helps maintain focus and fosters continuous personal growth.
Kaylie understood the deeper meaning of her experiences, recognizing that each challenge and small victory contributes to her overall development.
Applying Principles to Everyday Life
Applying the principles of human design to everyday life can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental health and overall sense of well-being. By understanding and working with their design, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. This can lead to increased confidence, improved relationships, and a greater sense of purpose and direction. Alchemy for Athletes and Coaches coaching services are designed to help individuals apply the principles of human design to their everyday lives, whether that’s in their sport, career, personal relationships, or overall approach to life. This guidance helps clients navigate their unique paths with clarity and confidence, fostering a sense of alignment and fulfillment.
From Pressure to Presence
In this conversation, Wendy and Kaylie talked a lot about performance, especially the difference between playing under pressure and playing free. It’s a transition every athlete must face at some point—moving from proving to presence, and ultimately thriving. From outside validation to internal alignment.
Kaylie’s ability to articulate that shift was beautiful:
“If you rely on anybody else to love it for you… then I think you will fall short every time.”
That wisdom applies far beyond the court. Whether it’s sports, business, or relationships—if we’re not doing it from a place of true desire, it eventually shows. These concepts are crucial in real life, helping individuals navigate everyday situations with authenticity and purpose.
Communication, Conflict & Rejection
One of the standout moments of this conversation was when Kaylie shared how her team was full of “talkers,” but it wasn’t until they learned to listen that the culture shifted. The team began to talk openly about their challenges and strategies, which fostered a stronger sense of unity.
This piece of emotional maturity—learning to listen, communicate needs clearly, and deal with rejection—was a powerful thread in her story. She opened up about being a people-pleaser in the past and how learning to speak up and self-advocate helped her grow as a player and person. Sharing ideas within the team also played a crucial role in their growth, as it allowed them to explore new concepts and strategies together.
Life Beyond the Court
Kaylie also reminded us that identity isn’t tied only to performance. She finds joy in longboarding, slacklining, and nature—carving out time to be a human, not just an athlete. Kaylie also finds fun in her hobbies, which helps her maintain a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Now, she’s exploring a future in coaching, hoping to guide the next generation of athletes with the wisdom she’s gained from her journey. She’ll be one of the coaches who doesn’t just teach technique—but teaches freedom, mindset, and heart. Kaylie plans to create custom coaching experiences that align with each athlete's personal philosophy and goals.
Final Takeaway
If you’re at a crossroads, feeling the tension between loyalty to the past and excitement for the unknown, let this episode be a reminder:
You are allowed to change.
You are allowed to want more.
You are allowed to play free.
Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or someone figuring out what’s next, Kaylie’s story will speak to your soul. Catch the full episode wherever you get your podcasts or watch on YouTube.
Follow Kaylie on IG: @kayliemchugh44
