Kyla Overskei personifies the term student-athlete. In every way.
She has excelled on and off the basketball court during her time at UW-Eau Claire.
Earlier this week, Overskei was named the recipient of the 2026 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Judy Kruckman Scholar-Athlete Award.
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“It was something that I worked really hard for, and it took a lot of time and perseverance,” Overskei said. “I have a great support system with my family and teammates. They have helped push me to be the best version of myself.”
Overskei, a senior guard from Maple Grove, Minnesota, is an outstanding student. She carries a 3.93 grade point average and is majoring in marketing with a minor in management.
Overskei is on schedule to graduate in May, and said she is hoping to land a position in medical sales.
Overskei secured a spot on the 2024 and 2025 NCAA Division III Academic All-District Women’s Basketball First Team.
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She is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and three-time member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. She has been recognized on UW-Eau Claire’s Dean’s List numerous semesters and received multiple academic scholarships.
“We are thrilled for Kyla and the recognition she is receiving as the 2026 WIAC women’s basketball Judy Kruckman scholar-athlete,” UWEC coach Tonja Englund said. “Kyla has demonstrated outstanding commitment in the classroom during her career at UW-Eau Claire, balancing academics and athletics. Kyla is the 10th Judy Kruckman scholar award winner in 26 years to represent our women’s basketball program, the most in the league during that time. Also, a special thank you to the outstanding faculty at UW-Eau Claire that have supported Kyla and all of our student-athletes in the classroom.”
Overskei has received All-WIAC honorable mention recognition the past two years and led her team in scoring both seasons. She averaged 14.8 points per game as a junior and 14.6 as a senior.
A team captain this year, she led the conference with an .854 free throw percentage and tied for the lead in three-point field goals made per game. UW-Eau Claire finished 13-12 overall and 3-11 in conference play.
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“We had some really high hopes for this season,” Overskei said. “We had a great win over (third-ranked) Oskhosh. We played well in some other games as well, but the WIAC schedule was really tough.
“I learned how to overcome some of the challenges and adversity that we had. I just tried to have a positive mindset through it all.”
Overskei started 73 of 75 games in the last three years for the Blugolds and finished her career with 1,059 points and a .784 free throw percentage.
As a freshman, she was a member of UW-Eau Claire’s NCAA tournament team during the 2022-23 season.
“That was an amazing season and something I will never forget,” she said. “It was such a special moment to be a part of. Playing in the NCAA tournament was just a great experience. I had some great teammates who I learned a lot from.”
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Overskei also is a member of UW-Eau Claire’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
The WIAC Scholar-Athlete Award is named after Judy Kruckman who served as Assistant Commissioner for the WIAC from 1996-98. Kruckman was the women’s athletics director at UW-Eau Claire from 1974-84.
Overskei certainly made a significant impact during her four years at UW-Eau Claire.
“Obviously, it wasn’t quite the way I hoped it would turn out at the end,” she said. “But I truly did cherish my time here. I will walk away from Eau Claire very proud. I am very thankful to have this opportunity to play basketball and be able to earn my degree here. It’s been a great experience.”
