Ciara Thomas Hagan was a member of the women's soccer team at SCAD Savannah, graduating with a degree in visual communications with a concentration in graphic design and a minor in arts and entertainment management. She has since opened her own sports retail store in Savannah, Ga.
 
After graduation, Ciara, her husband, and best friend (and former SCAD soccer teammate) Shelby Dieckamp Castillo opened Specialty Sports and Custom Stitches, which has a sports retail store attached. The trio does custom apparel for schools, sports teams, church organizations, and local businesses. Doing everything from screen printing and embroidery to uniforms and corporate wear.
 
As a local business, how does it feel to give back to the community in which you spent your collegiate career?
 
We are so grateful to be able to support so many other local groups, including SCAD Athletics. It's really a cool experience to be able to work with the teams at SCAD and be around our alma mater. I have also been coaching club and high school soccer in the area since graduating, and have been able to see former players live out their college soccer dreams as well. 
 
What is one of your proudest professional accomplishments?
 
Owning a small family-oriented business that is able to take care of its employees while also helping other small businesses in the community.
 
What is your favorite memory or moment as a member of the women's soccer team?
 
Being successful on the field is always a competitive athlete's goal, and we were able to accomplish that during my time at SCAD. Getting to travel on preseason team trips was always fun, and getting to beat rivals was fun as well. The neat thing about SCAD is that you might be playing in a game one day and displaying your work in a department show another. My friends who went to other schools didn't necessarily get that on and off-field experience.
 
The relationships you build are incredible. Since I am still in Savannah, I have been able to coach my Graphic Design Chair's (Jason Fox) daughter in high school soccer, employ SCAD students while they are in school, and watch Rebecca Gunn [assistant coach during Ciara's time at SCAD and current Head Coach] build an absolute dynasty of a program, and got to celebrate a National Championship in 2024. I would not have had these opportunities if I hadn't chosen to be a student-athlete at SCAD.
 
What surprised you the most about the women's soccer team?
 
I never thought I would attend an art school, but getting on campus, attending soccer practice, and seeing the level of the women's program made me feel right at home. Once I saw the level of play and the camaraderie within the team, I knew I could pursue my dreams of playing collegiately and have the opportunity to earn a degree from a prestigious university. Coach Rebecca Gunn has doubled the level of the women's soccer program since then, but we were lucky to have her as our assistant.
  
What is one life or career lesson you've learned through your sports career at SCAD?
 
I tore my ACL in a game versus Embry-Riddle my freshman year, so I'll give a cliché answer, but one that does hold very true: Never give up. Lean on the people around you to support you in your dreams, and if you work hard and have a commitment to what you are trying to accomplish, you can do those things.
 
What is one piece of advice that you would give to current artist-athletes? Utilize your teammates and their different artistic avenues. Don't just stay in your major lane. Use your teammates as opportunities to meet other people. SCAD is a large community with endless opportunities.
 
If you are interested in being a part of our Alumni Spotlight Series, please email sid@scad.edu for consideration.