Northeast Ohio native and star track & field athlete Kya Epps has made headlines by joining the newest class of Dexcom U. It’s the only NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) program out there just for college athletes living with Type 1 diabetes.
Epps is a senior at the University of Cincinnati and has stood out in short sprints throughout her athletic career. Her journey from being diagnosed with diabetes in the 8th grade to becoming an inspiration for young athletes—well, it’s nothing short of impressive.
Kya Epps: A Star is Born in Northeast Ohio
Growing up in Akron, Ohio, Kya Epps found her passion for running early on. A best friend from grade school nudged her to join the track team and she was hooked almost instantly.
She went on to attend St. Vincent-St. Mary High School—yes, LeBron James’s alma mater. As a senior in 2022, she set state records in the 100m and 200m sprints.
High School Achievements
During her time at St. Vincent-St. Mary, Epps excelled in several events:
- 100m and 200m sprints – Set state records
- 4x400m and 4x100m relay races – Key team member
Her favorite event is the 200m sprint. She says running the curve gives her a unique thrill—something that sets her apart from a lot of other sprinters.
College Career at the University of Cincinnati
Epps continued her track & field career at the University of Cincinnati. She quickly made a name for herself there, too.
She holds indoor records for the 60m (7.21) and 200m (22.90) events. Epps has earned All Big 12 Indoor and Outdoor honors several times.
Her accomplishments include qualifying for the NCAA Outdoor Championship in the 200m. She’s also been an NCAA East First Round Qualifier in both the 100m and 200m events.
Record-Breaking Performances
At UC, Epps’s achievements include:
- 60m Indoor Record – 7.21 seconds
- 200m Indoor Record – 22.90 seconds
- All Big 12 Indoor Honors – 60m and 200m
- All Big 12 Outdoor Honors – 200m and 4x100m
Overcoming Diabetes: A Journey of Resilience
Epps’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the 8th grade, which was a big adjustment.
At first, the diagnosis was scary and full of uncertainty for her and her family. But Epps faced it head-on, determined to learn how to manage her glucose levels.
Managing Diabetes with Technology
These days, Epps relies on the Dexcom G7 sensor to monitor her glucose in real-time. It’s made a huge difference, letting both her and her mom keep an eye on her numbers during practice and meets.
The Dexcom G7 CGM system gives live updates through an app on her phone. Honestly, it makes managing diabetes so much more doable, especially for an athlete on the go.
Joining Dexcom U: A New Chapter
Epps hit a big milestone when she was picked to join the fourth season of Dexcom U. Out of over 200 nominations, her hard work and achievements earned her a spot in this exclusive NIL program for college athletes with diabetes.
She first heard about Dexcom U in 2024 and worked with the NIL team at Cincinnati to secure her place. It wasn’t easy, but she made it happen.
Dexcom U Signing Day Camp
Earlier this summer, Epps went to the Dexcom U Signing Day Camp in Baltimore, hosted by Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. There, she spent time with young kids who have diabetes, offering mentorship and support to both them and their parents.
Epps has really become a role model. Her story shows that athletes with diabetes can do big things—even if it’s not always easy.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Epps’s involvement in Dexcom U isn’t just about breaking records. She wants to use her platform to inspire and educate others.
By sharing her experiences, she hopes to clear up misconceptions about diabetes and give young athletes some hope. Epps joins 12 other student-athletes in the program, each representing different sports and proving how CGM technology can help them reach their best.
A Role Model for All
Epps’s journey started when she was a young girl diagnosed with diabetes. She grew up to become a determined college athlete and mentor.
Now, she’s preparing for her senior year at UC. At the same time, Epps keeps inspiring athletes who are also living with diabetes.
Her message? With the right tools and mindset, you can do more than you think.
If you want more details about Kya Epps and her story, check out the full article on News 5 Cleveland.
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