Sophomore Kaidyn Beckwith grew up in the world of basketball. 

With a father who coached at the high school level, the University of Central Arkansas sophomore guard was always close to the game. But it wasn’t until the ninth grade that she realized her passion for basketball was more than just a hobby — it was a pursuit.

“My dad inspired me to play basketball,” she said. “He was a high school coach, and just being around basketball all the time made me fall in love with it. But it didn’t hit me that I could take basketball seriously until about ninth grade.”

Now, as a student-athlete at UCA, Beckwith balances the demands of being both a college student and a basketball player. 

Her experience at UCA has been transformative, teaching her the value of discipline, time management and communication.

“Balancing college life as a student-athlete was definitely an experience that I wasn’t prepared for at first,” Beckwith said. “I’ve been a student-athlete my whole life, but the transition from high school to college was different for me. My first year was an adjustment, but now, coming into my second year, I feel much better adjusted.”

A typical game day for Beckwith is a finely tuned routine that begins in the classroom and ends under the bright lights of the court. Her schedule is packed with classes in the morning, followed by a team shoot-around about four to five hours before tipoff. In those precious moments before game time, Beckwith has developed a ritual that not only prepares her physically but also mentally.

“After shoot-around, I go back to my dorm, shower, eat, and either take a nap or watch TV,” she said. “I always listen to the same 3-4 gospel songs, pray and chew a piece of blue Extra gum. It sounds weird, but I’m a pretty superstitious person, so my game-day routine looks almost the same every time.”

Beckwith credits her faith and family as her biggest influences, both on and off the court.

“I believe God has blessed me with the opportunity to play basketball at a high level, and every time I’m on the court, I want to honor his name,” she said. “My family is my biggest support system. They always encourage me to be the best I can in whatever I do.”

While her pre-game routine keeps her grounded, Beckwith has faced challenges in adjusting to the college game. 

“For me, the most challenging part of college basketball has been adjusting to the level of communication it takes to be successful,” Beckwith said, “I’m not much of a talker, but I’ve learned that to be successful, you have to communicate with your teammates. I’ve had to be more intentional about talking, and there are still times when I’m not as good at it as I should be.”

She’s currently working on sharpening her shooting and overall confidence on the court, as well as improving her communication.

Her goal this season is to leave everything on the court.

“I just want to be confident in all aspects of my game and to know that when the season ends, I’ve given all that I have,” she said.

In addition to her role as a basketball player, Beckwith is involved in several student organizations, where she’s found a community that shares her faith and passion for volunteer work.

“When I’m not playing or training, I enjoy watching movies, TV shows and other sports,” she said. “I also love reading my Bible and journaling — it helps me relax.”

While basketball has been a central focus for Beckwith, her future plans may take her beyond the court. She’s considering a career as a sports agent or working for a professional sports team, fields where her love for the game can continue to thrive.

Looking back on her basketball journey, Beckwith sees one lesson standing out above the rest — the importance of hard work.

“It sounds cliché, but the more you work at a skill, the better you get,” she said. “That applies not just to basketball, but to life. Whether it’s at work, school, or anything else, hard work is key.”

Beckwith’s advice to younger athletes hoping to follow in her footsteps is equally straightforward.

“Always believe in yourself. It doesn’t matter what others see in you if you can’t see it yourself. Never have any regrets — if you want to play at the college level, believe you can and make sure the work you put in matches that belief.” she said. 

With her faith, family support and dedication to the game, Beckwith wants to make her mark at UCA and beyond.