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TACOMA, Wash. - Throughout the rest of the semester, GoLutes.com will profile the Pacific Lutheran University senior student-athletes involved in spring sports that had their seasons cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today's installment features PLU women's track & field student-athlete Kayla Ozawa.
 

Hometown: Mililani, Hawaii

Collegiate Bests: 60-Meters: 8.78 100-Meters: 13.53 Pole Vault: 8' 10 3/4" Javelin: 89' 1"

Through athletics, Kayla Ozawa was provided the opportunity to witness athletic training firsthand.
 
A Kinesiology major with a minor in pre-athletic training, Ozawa participated in track & field as a pole vaulter, sprinter, and thrower on top of logging hours as a student worker in the PLU athletic training room. She loved traveling with her teammates and witnessing her peers improve throughout the season and from year to year. 
 
Ozawa believes athletics has prepared her to be successful after graduation by teaching her how to be a leader. 
 
"Through athletics, I have improved at time management, leadership, teamwork, and perseverance," Ozawa said. 
 
Ozawa competed in 25 meets in her four-year career, steadily improving from season-to-season. She was a member of the 4x100-meter relay team that placed fifth at the 2017 Northwest Conference Championships. Ozawa placed 12th in the pole vault at the 2018 NWC Championships and 10th at the 2019 NWC Championships, establishing a new personal record in the process. Ozawa was only able to compete in two meets during the 2020 season, competing in the 60-meter dash during the indoor season at the SPU Final Qualifier before competing in the pole vault and javelin at the Ed Boitano Invitational, the Lutes' lone outdoor meet of the year.
 
"Kayla has been an important part of building our team culture over the last four years," said Head Coach Adam Frye. "She's fun to be around and shares positive energy with her teammates. In addition to competing in the pole vault, Kayla has stepped up to contribute in the 4x100m when needed. She and her classmates have been integral to the growth of our team's culture and performance and I'm excited for her to start her graduate program in the fall."
 
Outside of track & field and working in the athletic training room, the Mililani, Hawaii native was a part of the Love Your Melon Club and the Hawaii Club. After graduation, Ozawa will be attending Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA to pursue a Masters in athletic training.