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Kamri Busby ’08: A Foundation of Strong Relationships
A Foundation of Strong RELATIONSHIPS
Kamri Chester Busby ’08 has quite a track record. A former three-sport athlete at GPS, she helped bring home three state titles and was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.
But far beyond her winning record, Busby says the connections and relationships she established at her alma mater brought her back to the school, as a member of both the Alumnae Council and the Impact Fund Leadership Team, Alumnae Division, and a financial contributor.
As a multi-sport athlete, Busby competed in softball, volleyball, and basketball, bringing home two state titles in softball and one state title in volleyball in her time before playing collegiate softball at University of Memphis. as a clinical research associate with IQVIA, a human data science company. Her career allows her to tap into her years of experience working for her mother’s Chattanoogabased medical research organization and as a nurse in area hospitals.
Aft er Busby moved back to Chattanooga, she fi rst reconnected with GPS assisting Susan Crownover coaching the softball team. Then she introduced her daughter to GPS, bringing her to the fall family events and summer camps. She was encouraged to help with a phonathon by Kim Leffew, another of Busby’s former softball coaches and now the Director of the Impact Fund and Alumnae Engagement.
“Kim was a huge mentor for me while I was in school—I played for Kim and Coach Crownover—and she served as a bridge for me to stay connected with the school,” Busby says. “GPS provides such strong support and experiences for girls.
KAMRI CHESTER BUSBY ’ 08
Kamri with daughter Londyn
Being involved in athletics was a big part of my support system, but I was always amazed at the opportunities at GPS.”
Busby recalls wanting to participate in dance and cheer, too, if she had time, always encouraged by teachers and coaches. Th e relationships she established in school and on the court and fi eld stand out the most.
“The friendships I have are long-lasting and unmatched,” Busby says, and she praises her strong influences from coaches and teachers. Now contributing her time with the Impact Fund and other alumnae events, Busby hears other alumnae share their stories across generations.
“Crownover and Leff ew didn’t just mold me athletically—they helped me become a better person overall. Th ey helped me understand that while athletics are important, who you are and what you bring to the table makes you stand out the most,” Busby says. “My coaches helped me accept my authenticity and fully accept and be myself. Th ose characteristics have helped me strive for success and have carried me to where I am now in my life.”
Busby with her volleyball team; front row, far left.
Busby with her basketball team; front row, third from left.
Busby with her softball team; second row, third from left.
