TicketsFor elite athletes, success can come down to fractions of a second. For Kya
Epps, every race is also a reminder of how far she has come.
A University of Cincinnati record holder and Big 12 100-meter champion, Kya is
showing that living with type 1 diabetes doesn’t have to limit an athlete’s dreams.
The Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, native was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in eighth
grade, just before entering high school. At the time, she knew very little about
diabetes or insulin. As she learned to manage her diagnosis, she was also
developing into a talented track and field athlete.
Her experience inspired a passion for diabetes awareness and a desire to show
other athletes that a diagnosis doesn’t have to stand in the way of their goals.
She even dreamed of one day working with Dexcom.
That dream became a reality when Kya joined Dexcom University, Dexcom
University, Dexcom’s NIL program for college athletes living with diabetes.
Launched in 2022, Dexcom U gives student-athletes an opportunity to use their
name, image, and likeness to share their experiences, raise awareness, and
inspire others in the diabetes community.
On July 7, Kya traveled to San Diego to meet the newest members of Dexcom
University. The group attended a San Diego Padres game, met Dexcom CEO
Jake Leach, and visited the Olympic Training Center to film content for the
launch of Dexcom University.
But for Kya, the experience was about more than filming. It was about finding
community and connecting with athletes who understand what it’s like to compete
at a high level while managing type 1 diabetes.
“Connecting with athletes just like myself with type 1 diabetes, sharing stories
and experiences, and bringing awareness to the diabetic community in sports
because you don't see a lot of them,” Kya said.
Now, as a Dexcom athlete, Kya is using her platform to make athletes with
diabetes more visible and inspire the next generation to pursue their goals.
From an eighth-grade diagnosis to becoming a Big 12 champion, Kya’s journey is
a reminder that type 1 diabetes is part of her story, but it doesn’t define how far
she can go.
For more information on NIL, contact Eddie Taylor, Cincinnati's Assistant Athletic
Director of Athlete Partnerships, at taylo2ed@ucmail.uc.edu.