From the North Bay town of Novato, California, to the fierce waters of the Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference, Miya French has been making waves—both literally and metaphorically—since joining the Cal State East Bay Pioneers in 2022. A junior kinesiology major with an inspiring story of resilience and passion, Miya has become a standout both in the pool and the classroom.

Miya's swimming resume reads like a highlight reel. In her junior season (2024–25), she secured silver medals in both the 500-yard (5:00.50) and 1,000-yard freestyle (10:22.17) at the PCSC Championships—setting personal bests in both events. She also helped the 800-yard freestyle relay team clinch a second-place finish.

Her sophomore campaign (2023–24) was equally impressive. She earned Academic All-District® honors, was named to the CSCAA Second Team Scholar All-America, and took home a silver medal in the 1,000 freestyle and a bronze in the 1,650 at PCSCs. She was part of a silver-medal 800-yard freestyle relay team and added victories in dual meets and invitationals throughout the season. Her academic excellence was also recognized with a First Team PCSC All-Academic nod and a D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award.

But Miya's story isn't just about medals and records—it's about perseverance. As a liver transplant recipient, Miya brings a depth of strength and gratitude few can comprehend. "Throughout my academic and athletic journey, I have to say my health has proven to be the most significant challenge I have and continue to face. At the age of 5, I was given the gift of life when my eldest sister donated a portion of her liver to me," Miya shares. "Being a liver transplant recipient comes with its ups and downs as I never know when my health could take a turn for the worse, so I have grown to be grateful for what I have. However, on the downside, hospitalizations are a common occurrence for me, but I strive to come back stronger. This has taught me determination."

That determination has not gone unnoticed. As a freshman (2022–23), she won the 1,000-yard freestyle at the PCSC Championships, placed third in the 500, and was a silver medalist in the 1,650. She was also named a CSCAA Second Team Scholar All-American—laying the foundation for what has become a remarkable collegiate career.

Inspired by her personal journey through the medical system, Miya has her sights set on a future in the medical field. "Being on the recipient side of a living donor liver transplant and being given the gift of life, I would like to someday return the favor to the healthcare workers who saved my life. Pursuing kinesiology, and eventually the medical field, I aim to be someone who saves and makes people's lives better. After all, life is a gift that should not be taken for granted."

As she continues her Pioneer journey, Miya French serves as a beacon of resilience, gratitude, and ambition. Her story reminds us that greatness isn't just measured by medals or accolades—but by the obstacles we overcome and the lives we touch along the way.