CSM nursing student and track and field athlete Mikaiya Rodgers is building a future defined by hard work, purpose and the support of a community that believes in her.
For Mikaiya Rodgers, being a College of Saint Mary student-athlete means giving her best in every part of her college experience.
As a nursing major and member of the Flames track and field team, Rodgers balances a demanding academic program with the discipline required to compete as a long jumper. Her schedule may be busy, but she approaches each challenge with energy, focus and a genuine love for being part of the CSM community.
That commitment is evident in the classroom, at practice and in the relationships she has built along the way. Support from her family, coaches, teammates and faculty has helped her continue growing as both a student and an athlete.
Track and field has taught Rodgers the value of consistency. Progress does not happen all at once. It comes through early mornings, repeated practice and the willingness to keep working when improvement feels difficult. Those lessons also carry into nursing, where preparation, resilience and attention to detail are essential.
Rodgers’ experience reflects what it means to be a Flames student-athlete: pursuing ambitious goals while knowing there are people ready to encourage her, challenge her and celebrate her success.
She was selected as the featured student-athlete for CSM’s 2026 Ignite the Flame event, an annual fundraiser celebrating women’s athletics and supporting future opportunities for Flames athletes.
As Rodgers continues working toward her nursing degree and her goals in competition, she is showing what is possible when talent is matched with determination and a strong community.
Watch the video to learn more about Mikaiya’s journey as a CSM student-athlete.