Meet Super Star Kiya Johnson

Name: Kiya Johnson

University: LSU
Graduation Year: 2024
Major/Minor: Masters of Arts in Liberal Arts

Gymnastics Highlights:

• 2022 WCGA All-American, Vault
• Nine-Time All-American
• 40 Career Wins

An interview with Kiya Johnson:

1.What is your favorite part about being a student athlete at LSU?

My favorite part about being a student athlete at LSU is the ability to compete for something bigger than myself, and the community atmosphere that LSU athletics has amongst all of the sports.

2. What made you choose your school to continue your college gymnastics career?

I chose to continue my gymnastics career at LSU because of the culture within the team and the atmosphere surrounding sports at the University. The campus and community support around LSU athletics was something that I couldn't see myself not being apart of.

3. What does your training schedule look like? For example, how many hours do you train? How do you balance gymnastics with your studies?

I train around 20 hours a week with workouts that range from gym practices, weights and frc stretching. I try to prioritize being a student before an athlete and enjoy making a to-do list and going to coffee shops around the area to make sure I complete all assignments on time.

4. What are your future career aspirations after graduation?

I would love to become a college gymnastics coach in the future or stay in the sport in some way on the collegiate level. If not I would also love to pursue a career in sport media on the collegiate or professional level of sports.

5. What is your favorite event and what skills do you enjoy competing on that event?

My favorite event to compete is floor and I really enjoy doing my double flipping passes in my routine!

6. Do you have a role model in the sport? Someone who inspires you?

• A role model for me in the sport is my old club coach Kim Zmescal. She was not only an amazing gymnast to look up to but as our coach she taught us so many life lessons that have stuck with me to this day that go beyond gymnastics.

• My parents sacrificed so much for me to get to where I am today and that inspires me everyday to work as hard as I can to accomplish my goals and make them proud!

7. What advice would you give to younger athletes aspiring to compete at the collegiate level?

I would encourage younger athletes aspiring to compete at the collegiate level to never give up no matter how hard it gets, because the reward of being a collegiate athletes is so worth every hard day that you will go through.

8. What are your hobbies/interests outside of gymnastics?

I have recently gotten into reading more often, and have enjoyed reading in my free time!

9. Do you have any hidden talents?

I don’t have any that I can think of;)

10. What do you do for fun?

I enjoy hanging out with my friends and shopping when I have the chance!

11. Favorite travel destination?

Outside of going to tropical places for vacation one of my favorite places that I have gone to was Nashville, TN!

12. What do you like about Quatro?

I love the beautiful and complex leo designs that Quatro has, while also keeping the leotards super comfortable for training!

13. Can you tell us a little bit about the design inspiration behind your leotard?

The main inspiration behind my leotard design was bright beautiful colors! As far as the actual design goes I took inspiration from a red carpet look in 202. The look was beautiful and I wanted an intricate design similar to the design on her dress!