Cashion Athletic Sports Association (CASA) recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship to 2020 graduate Kaylin Niemyer.

Blindly selected from a panel of judges, Niemyer provided academic achievements, college acceptance and a brief essay on her accomplishments.

She has played both softball and basketball since kindergarten. After suffering two serious ACL injuries resulting in extensive surgery and rehabilitation, Niemyer fretted her days of sports were over.

“She stepped back onto the court and fields her senior year and helped the teams go to regional championships, but she also gained valuable self-confidence back,” said Jake McKeever, CASA board president.

Niemyer plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma and study biology, perhaps one day becoming an orthopedic physician assistant.

She’ll be a member of the women’s rowing team and said she looks forward to practice and competition.

“Kaylin is an amazing athlete, but she also took great pride in academics, demonstrated strong leadership and has served her community in numerous ways,” McKeever said.

Niemyer has volunteered at basketball camps and at Mercy Hospital Kingfisher.

“She is a powerful example of a Cashion Wildcat and it is with great pride this scholarship is awarded to her from the CASA board and parent volunteers,” McKeever said.

CASA is a parent-supported organization that promotes youth sports participation in the community for elementary-aged children.

“CASA activities provide an opportunity for youth to develop skills, encourage inclusive participation and are led solely by volunteer parent coaches,” McKeever explained.

“The organization does not focus only on teaching sports, but encourages academic growth, character building and community service.”