Moffat County Graduate Cayden King Excels in NCAA Tournament

$0. That's what Cayden King's NCAA Tournament run with Colorado Mesa University's women's basketball team cost her in terms of individual accolades - she's already racked up a slew of academic and athletic honors, including a 4.0 GPA as a chemistry major and a spot on the College Sports Communicators NCAA DII Academic All-District Team. For context, King's achievements are a result of the strong foundation she built during her time at Moffat County High School, where she graduated as valedictorian and Outstanding Female Athlete.

Let's do the math: with a 37-2 record, including a 34-game win streak, the Mavericks had their winningest season ever. On paper, that's an impressive stat line, but in practice, it translates to a historic run that took the team all the way to the Final Four of the NCAA DII National Tournament. As a redshirt sophomore at CMU, King played a crucial role in the team's success, and her experience is valuable for the community.

King's journey to the NCAA Tournament was not without its challenges. After suffering an ACL injury during her junior year at Moffat County, she made a remarkable comeback in her senior year, helping lead her team to a strong season. That perseverance and dedication have served her well at the college level, where she's continued to excel both on and off the court. The Mavericks' historic run was not limited to their on-court performance. The team's success also sparked excitement and pride in the community, with fans cheering them on from Colorado to Pittsburgh. As King noted, "It was also special to see all the support we had back home in Colorado from everyone cheering us on." That support is a reflection of the impact local athletes can have on their communities.

In terms of her role on the court, King acknowledged that she's adapted to a different dynamic at the college level. "At any level you want to do your best and help your team," she said. "I feel like I worked well with this group." That ability to adapt and work with her teammates has been essential to the team's success.

The practical bottom line is that King's achievement is a source of pride for the community, and her success has the potential to inspire other local athletes. As folks around here know, it's not every day that a Moffat County graduate makes it to the Final Four. King's story is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a strong support system, local athletes can achieve great things.