The Idaho track and field program added to its collection of talent for next season with the signing of sprinter Kaylee Hove.
The Wyoming native will join the Vandals after competing at Campell County High School this spring.
“Kaylee is a talented student athlete and we are thrilled to have her in the Vandal family,” said Tim Cawley, director of track and field. “She is very passionate about track and field and should fit in well with the team.”
Hove competes primarily in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash, earning personal bests of 12.55 seconds and 26.10 seconds in each event respectively.
The recruit finished third in the 100-meter dash during the Wyoming State Championships as a junior in 2015. Hove also earned a fourth place finish in the 200-meter event during the same competition.
The Wyoming native has additionally competed in the 60-meter indoor dash, earning a personal best of 8.15 seconds.
Hove said the key factor in her decision to choose Idaho was her campus visit and interaction with the Vandal coaching staff.
“I chose the University of Idaho because I knew that I wanted out of my comfort zone,” she said. “I wanted to be away from home and experience college to the fullest.”
The recruit said her desire to compete in track and field goes back to her childhood.
“I first really began competing in the 6th grade,” Hove said. “I have played other sports such as basketball and soccer, but my passion for track and field drew me in a lot more. My passion has always been there for the sport, and I hate to lose more than I love to win.”
Hove said she was considering schools in Pennsylvania, Arizona and Utah, but was impressed by the environment of the track and field program at Idaho.
“The coaches and teammates of the University of Idaho stood out most to me,” Hove said. “I love the family atmosphere of being a Vandal. Just watching from one practice, I noticed the dedication and desire to improve from the team.”
Hove said she will look to end the spring season on a high note before joining the Vandals.
“I plan to compete really well at every meet I compete in, and I hope to score a lot of points at our state championship,” she said.
Hove said she wants to pursue a degree in exercise science while attending Idaho.
“I plan to work hard in the classroom, as well as on the track,” she said.
Josh Grissom can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @GoshJrissom
(Photo Courtesy by Phillip Vukelich)