LAKEVILLE - Reflection. As 2025 graduate Mikalah Kuskye looks back on being a LaVille student-athlete, her internal mirror quickly gave her plenty to see. "It's so special because I look back and see how diverse and different each year was with each team," said Kuskye, who was recently named the 2025 Dale E. Cox Female Athlete of the Year. "It taught me hard work and dedication and that everything happens with purpose. The hard times a lot of times turned into good times if we were willing to put the work in." Kuskye earned 12 varsity letters, participating in soccer, basketball, and track and field, earning four letters in each during her career. During our chat, we had the chance to ask Mikalah about some of her most memorable memories in each sport. She shared the following: IN SOCCER "My most memorable moment in soccer was winning against Argos in a penalty kick shootout, which sent us to the finals. We then won sectionals against Manchester in the finals my senior year." IN BASKETBALL "My favorite memory in basketball was winning the 2023 Everwise Bi-County Tournament. It was so special because that was our first year having Nick Amor as our coach, and the boys won as well." IN TRACK & FIELD "My favorite memory in track was advancing to regionals my freshman year in the 400m dash and then for the 400m dash my senior year. It was kind of a full circle moment. "Being in sports gave me an outlet and a hobby," said Kuskye, who earned all-conference honors, along with other accolades. "I really enjoyed the friendships I made along the way and the life lessons I learned. Being in sports taught me time management and being grateful for the moments I have with the people I'm surrounded by." During her time at LaVille Jr-Sr High School, Mikalah also participated in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Students, Unified Basketball, Student Leadership Committee, and Tutoring. On the court or the field of play, putting on the LaVille uniform was also gratifying for Mikalah. "It's truly been special," said Kuskye, who is just the ninth student-athlete to earn 12 varsity letters in the last 10 years. "I love the sense of community that LaVille brings and it has been an honor to represent my school. It reminds me that I'm playing for more than just myself. I'm a role model to others and doing my best to honor God in everything I do." After picking up her Class of 2025 diploma in late-May, Kuskye says she is headed to Indiana Wesleyan University in the fall to study athletic training and play for the academy soccer team. We also had the opportunity to ask the LaVille Class of 2025 Salutatorian what final words of advice she would have for younger kids regarding academics and athletics. "My final words of advice are to show up to the open gyms/practices because that will get you results like Bi-County titles and sectional wins," said Kuskye. "As far as academics, keep yourself accountable and don't be afraid to ask questions." As we closed our time, there was one final reflection from Mikalah, "I appreciate this award greatly and receiving it was an honor to receive it. I put a lot into my sports over the past years at LaVille and hearing that I got this award was exciting! Thank you to all the people that have supported me in my time at LaVille. I truly felt your support everywhere we have competed and will hold those encouraging moments near to me." Congratulations Mikalah!