Kayla's Journey: Achieving Academics and Athletic Excellence at Blyth Academy Mississauga

Meet Kayla, a Grade 12 student at Blyth Academy Mississauga who exemplifies dedication and perseverance. Kayla's story is one of passion, resilience, and the incredible ability to balance the demands of rigorous academics with her busy golf training schedule. At Blyth Academy, we are proud to support students like Kayla, helping them achieve their dreams both in the classroom and beyond – and in Kayla’s case a scholarship of distinction at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).  

Personal Journey  

Kayla discovered her passion for golf during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the restrictions on hockey led her to explore new athletic pursuits. In the summer of 2020, she joined a golf club and immediately fell in love with the game. "My love for the game is driven by the fact that golf is a sport that challenges you physically, mentally, and emotionally every time you play," Kayla shared. 

Her dedication to the sport quickly paid off. Within her first three years of playing, Kayla began competing and winning at local and regional levels, eventually moving on to provincial and national competitions. She even finished in the top 10 in tournaments in the United States, including winning first place at the 2025 AJGA U19 Butterfield Bermuda Junior Championship. Kayla is a three-time women's club champion at Markland Wood Golf Club, becoming the youngest champion ever at the age of 15.  

Training and Preparation 

Balancing academics and athletics is no easy feat, but Kayla has managed to excel in both areas. "School has and continues to be very important to me. I like to do well at everything I do," she said. Despite the challenges of traveling for tournaments and training, Kayla has remained committed to her studies, often putting in long hours to ensure she doesn't fall behind.

Reflections on Blyth Academy Mississauga

Kayla credits her success to the supportive environment at Blyth Academy Mississauga, where keeping up with classes is no longer a concern, even for students with unique schedules. The school provides a variety of flexible learning options that enable students like Kayla to excel in both academics and sports. Whether it's in-person classes, asynchronous online classes through Blyth Academy Online, or teacher-led virtual classes via Blyth Academy Orbit, these options can be seamlessly interchanged to meet individual needs. 

Additionally, our dedicated guidance team and principal works closely with students like Kayla to ensure they meet NCAA entry requirements, which can differ significantly from those of Canadian universities. This personalized support helps students navigate the complexities of eligibility criteria, ensuring they are well-prepared for their athletic and academic futures. 

“The collaborative working environment with teachers and the availability of office hours for additional help have been instrumental in my academic success," Kayla explained. “I really like science and math and have been taught by both Mr. Halime and Mrs. Raj multiple times. I have really enjoyed being in their classes because of their understanding and support.” Teachers are dedicated to supporting students like Kayla by posting classwork and lectures online when needed, ensuring they can keep up with their studies while traveling for competitions. With small class sizes averaging 12 students, they have the time and focus to address individual needs, making sure each student receives the attention they deserve. 

Example Schedule for Students That Require Flexibility 

At Blyth Academy, high school students benefit from a four-term schedule, where they focus on just two subjects per term. This structure allows for deeper understanding and better retention of the material – and the smaller course load also lends a hand to flexible scheduling. Below is an example of how Kayla managed to balance her studies with her rigorous training schedule in Grade 12 (6 OSSD Credits): 

TERM 1: September - November
In-Person Studies (Mississauga)  
→  9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. MHF4U - Advanced Functions  
→  11:20 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. SCH4U - Chemistry  
→  Afternoon Golf Training  

TERM 2: November - January   
International  
→  Trains and competes internationally while completing HFA4U (Nutrition and Health) through Blyth Academy Online's asynchronous learning platform  

TERM 3: January - April  
In-Person Studies (Mississauga)  
→  9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. SBI4U: Biology  
→  11:20 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. MDM4U: Data Management  
→  Afternoon Golf Training  

Term 4: April - June  
International   
→  Trains and competes internationally while completing PSK4U (Introductory Kinesiology) through Blyth Academy Online's asynchronous learning platform 

Achieving Her Dreams 

Kayla's hard work and the support from Blyth Academy have paid off. She was accepted into the NCAA Division 1 Golf Program at UTSA for September 2025, with distinction. She received the Distinguished Presidential Scholarship, recognizing her as one of the top students entering UTSA in Fall 2025.  

"I want to study Kinesiology with a focus on Sports Medicine and look forward to playing in the LPGA tour beyond university. I see a future for myself that will continue to have sports, golf, and other athletes as a key part of my life," Kayla said. 

Parent Perspective 

Kayla's parents are incredibly proud of her achievements. "Making a decision to switch from hockey to golf was a little uncomfortable for us, but Kayla has never taken the easy path. She always has confidence that her discipline and drive will get her to her goals," her mom shared. “Kayla has never wavered in her commitment to her education and has been able to consistently find a balance between the two activities to achieve results in both which she is proud of. Kayla is a great athlete and student but that alone wouldn’t have gotten her here. She has always had the drive, determination, discipline, and perseverance to achieve her goals.” Kayla's coach also praised her work ethic and dedication, describing her as a "coach's dream."

A Message to Fellow Students and Athletes 

Kayla's journey is a testament to the power of discipline, focus, and support. "It doesn’t matter where you are today in your journey, you need to be disciplined and focused on your goals. There will always be people who say you aren’t good enough, but staying focused will allow you to keep moving forward towards your goals," she advised. She also emphasized the importance of leveraging the support of friends, family, coaches, and teachers to achieve one's goals. 

Kayla's story is a shining example of how a flexible and supportive environment can help students achieve their dreams, both academically and athletically. We are incredibly proud of Kayla and look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in the future.