Feature Friday Series: Kaya Heideman

By Kathryn Vargas

For this week's Feature Friday, we chat with freshman and Salt Lake City native, Kaya Heideman.

Heideman attended Judge Memorial High School where she was a letterwinner in cross country and track. During her high school career, she competed in the Utah State Track & Field Championships three times and had five top-5 finishes. Heideman was also a member of the sprint medley championship squad in 2018 while also placing second in the 200m and third in the 100m.

Heideman emphasizes the importance and impact her family has on her athletic motivation and success. Parents Jason and Mary Heideman both ran track at Utah State and Jason also ran cross country. Her older brother, Eric, also competed in both sports during high school and both siblings competed in state championships at the same time. Heideman attributes her success to her parents' encouragement and support, as well as the time they both spent coaching her since she was in elementary school.

During her time at the U and on the team, Heideman looks forward to growing both as an individual and as an athlete. She is excited about her major in elementary education and looks forward to more competitions alongside the team.
 
Q: What is your favorite color? 
A: Blue
 
Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
A: Croatia
 
Q: Who is your biggest athletic inspiration?
A: Kobe Bryant. He taught me to have a "mamba mentality" and he is a big reason for where I am today. 
 
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Steak
 
Q: What is your favorite holiday/celebration? 
A: Christmas
 
Q: What is your favorite memory/experience with the team thus far?
A: When I made the team in January all the girls were really excited and I was welcomed into their family with open arms. 
 
Q: If you had a super power, what would it be?
A: Superhuman speed so I could run faster than everyone. 
 
Q: Who is your favorite celebrity?
A: Justin Bieber 
 
Q: If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?
A: Dan and Shay
 
Q: What is your favorite part of being at the University of Utah?
A: It is a beautiful place and I am close to my family. 
 
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Wayne's World 
 
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
A: One Tree Hill
 
Q: If you were stranded on an island and were able to take one person with you, who would you take?
A: My mom
 
Q: What is your dream job?
A: To be a stay-at-home mom
 
Q: What is your future profession?
A: Elementary School teacher
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