BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — To say
Kayla Miracle is one of the most decorated student-athletes to ever dawn the maroon and gray is saying a lot after many have put together impressive resumes over the 111 years of athletics at Campbellsville University. But the resume of
Kayla Miracle is one that may not be touched and the best part…. it is still on-going.
The junior Lady Tiger wrestler isn't just a competitor on the mat, though. Miracle is someone who embodies what it means to be a true student-athlete and was honored tonight at the annual Mid-South Conference Award Banquet as the Female Student-Athlete of the Year.
Women's wrestling is one of the up-and-coming sports in the NAIA and is being added as a Mid-South Conference sport next season. But Miracle got a head start on competing inside the conference as she earns the award that is based on athletic performance, academic performance and evidence of leadership.
"I feel very honored and blessed to have been nominated for and win this prestigious award," said Miracle. "I strive to be the very best that I can be in all aspects while maintaining a well-rounded balanced life. It is important to me to not only apply this attitude toward bettering myself but, also in service to others. To have someone recognize these efforts by just nominating me for this award is really a reward in itself."
Kayla Miracle not only exemplifies the criteria but does so while competing on the national and international levels.
On the mat, Kayla has a 107-1 collegiate record the previous three seasons as a Lady Tiger. She not only competes at the Women's Collegiate Wrestling Association national level but also for Sunkist Kids, Team Nike and Team USA.
Miracle is a three-time WCWA National Champion, three-time University National Champion, three-time Junior World Team Member, Senior Pan Am Medalist, Two-time Junior World Bronze Medalist, Senior World Team Member and finished fourth in the 2016 Rio Olympic Trials.
"
Kayla Miracle is the epitome of what a true student-athlete is all about," said director of athletics
Rusty Hollingsworth. "Kayla has put together an impressive career so far as a Lady Tiger but she is also as humble as it gets. Her resume and work ethic on the mat speaks for itself but her kindness and smile off is what makes Kayla a special student-athlete. Congratulations to Kayla on this award."
But
Kayla Miracle isn't one that is stuck on her success on the mat. The junior grappler spends her mornings hitting the weight room, working drills on the mat and maintains her nutrition before many even get out of bed. After a full day of classes, Miracle is also a resident assistant in the women's village, First-Class Mentor, tutor, and is a member of the CU Athletic Leadership team.
Miracle, who carries a 3.95 GPA and is a Mathematics major at CU, hasn't used her crazy travel schedule as an excuse and her professors take note.
"Kayla always has her assignments on time and she never makes an excuse," said professor Linda Eastridge-Beal. "Her work is excellent, and her attitude is exceptional. I would rate her academic performance as superior."
"Kayla is so respectful and hard-working but most notably she is humble," said assistant professor for mathematics Ashley Matney.
That's who Kayla is. She has a wall full of trophies, awards, plaques and accolades, but what makes her stand out from the rest of the successful student-athletes is her humbleness.
"Although being a successful student-athlete can be very stressful, I have received so much help and support from teachers, faculty, and classmates, and I cannot thank everyone enough for all the love they have shown me," said Miracle.
"In return, I try to give back as much as I can to Campbellsville University, the community, and the sport of wrestling in hopes that I can pay it forward to help others. Because of the opportunities that I have had through wrestling I have been able to see the world and experience so many things that others my age normally do not have a chance to. I am extremely grateful for these experiences as they have helped mold me into the person I am today."
