Meet Kiaya Van Scoyoc

Whiz Kid's name: Kiaya Van Scoyoc

Whiz Kid's age: 16

Whiz Kid's school: Lakes High School

Whiz Kid's accomplishment: Kiaya, a sophomore, balances a 3.8 grade-point average with several extracurricular activities, including judo, jiujutsu and swimming. She is an IGNITE Mentor and a BOSS (Blue and Orange Scream Squad) member.

But she is best known for her moves on the wrestling mat. Kiaya will compete at the Mat Classic this weekend for the second consecutive year after winning the championship in the 155-pound weight class at last weekend’s regional tournament. She placed third at state last year as a freshman in the 160-pound weight class.

Kiaya said she isn’t yet sure where she wants to go to college, but knows she wants to become an orthodontist.

“Whatever I have to do to get there,” she said, “that’s what I’m going to do.”

Whiz Kid's key to awesomeness: Kiaya credits the support of those around her for the successes she has experienced. And that starts at home.

“There isn’t a single dad more proud than he is,” she said of her father. “It motivates me to keep going and to pursue my goals.”

Additionally, Kiaya said that her judo family has been a great support. She has grown up with a group of about 10 kids from Lakewood, Tacoma and Steilacoom, and said that they have always been there for each other.

“They support me and catch me when I fall,” she said. “I love every single one of them.”

Kiaya started wrestling in eighth grade and then joined Lakes’ team the following year because one of the coaches was also her judo coach. She didn’t initially enjoy wrestling, but in her second year has improved and become more comfortable.

“I’ve grown to like what I do, and I plan on doing nothing but get better until my senior year.”

Instrumental to her changed outlook is that her peers have continually encouraged her not to give up.

“I could never have gotten as far as I did last year or this year by myself,” she said.

Kiaya said that she specifically loves two things about wrestling. The main one is the feeling of when a ref raises their hand at the end of a match “and all you hear is your teammates cheering and you look up and see your dad with the biggest smile on his face.”

And the other reason?

“The carb loaded food!”