Editor's Note: The following story is the first part of a series highlighting WSU student-athletes who have earned stipends through the Unleash Excellence Fund. Join Cougar Athletics on #CougsGive day, April 12, to learn about the positive impact the Unleash Excellence Fund has already made on our student-athletes and how you can support this critical need for Cougar Athletics.

From the starting blocks of Gibb Pool to the classroom, Mikaela Kirton has made a splash throughout her career as a member of the Washington State University swimming team.

"Every day she works. It doesn't matter if it's in the pool or classroom," Swimming Head Coach Matt Leach said. "She's earned very little bit that she's received. I am really proud of her."

At the onset of her Cougar career, Kirton is crimson and gray through and through.

"I still remember recruiting Mikaela and her wanting to be a Coug," Leach said.

"I knew from the start I wanted to come to WSU," Kirton said, "It's the best decision I ever made."

That decision has led Kirton to a kinesiology degree and a future career in physical therapy. 

Integrating the sport of swimming and physical therapy has been seamless for Kirton.

"Swimming is a very individual sport, and it can be grueling at times," Kirton said. "Being a part of a team has helped me grow as a person and as someone who can collaborate with other people.

"Being an athlete and a kinesiology major and wanting to go into physical therapy has been really interesting," Kirton added. "It goes into what I want to do for my career. I get a big smile on my face thinking about it because it is exactly what I want to do."

Kirton has balanced the time challenges of being a swimming student-athlete, academic work and an internship at a physical therapy clinic in nearby Moscow, Idaho.

"It is definitely beneficial," Kirton said of the internship. "It is cool to see the science in school, but to see it happen in real time at a clinic has been amazing.

"It confirmed that physical therapy is what I want to do."

"She is going to be a great physical therapist," Leach said.

After WSU, Kirton wants to work physical therapy in the military or in athletics.

The military holds special significance for Kirton as her Dad served in the Navy, which Kirton cites as her biggest influence.

"He's the most determined person I know," Kirton said. "He taught me that if you start something you got to finish it."

Kirton is finishing off her WSU career in style. Her achievements qualified her for stipend from the Unleash Excellence Fund, which is awarded to student-athletes who excel academically with additional financial incentives based on their classroom performance.

That stipend has been invaluable for Kirton allowing her to stay in Pullman during the summer to complete her internship.

"I can continue my education by finishing my physical therapy internship, so I can complete my undergrad this summer," Kirton said. "If not for the Unleash Excellence stipend, I would have to travel back home to Colorado. In addition, I have been able to pay rent and have grocery money. It's giving me more opportunities to be able to do things, which I wouldn't be able to do without it."

"Mikaela will be staying over the summer to finish her internship, and to be able to pay for food and rent or if she wants to get home to pay for her flight is huge," Leach said.

As her career at WSU nears an end, Kirton will take away from the university what it means to be a Coug.

"Being a Coug to me is being part of something that's bigger than yourself," Kirton said. "It's being part of a community that supports and loves each other no matter what. I think at any other university you wouldn't see that same community.