TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State swimming & diving continues their "Where Are They Now" series highlighting and showcasing their alumni as we reconnect with 2020 graduate Mykenzie Knox (Kostka).
 
What years did you attend Indiana State?
2016-2020
 
What was your degree(s) in at Indiana State?
BS in Chemistry
 
What has been your path since graduation at Indiana State?
After graduation, I moved to Columbus, Ohio to pursue my Doctorate in Pharmacy (PharmD) at The Ohio State University from 2020 to 2024. In the Spring of 2024, I got married, graduated pharmacy school, and moved back to Indiana!
 
In July 2024, I began my pharmacy residency at Ascension St. Vincent, where I did one year of general pharmacy and another year specializing in pediatrics at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital.
 
I recently graduated residency in July 2026 and started my first "big girl job" at IU Health Riley as a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist.
 
Where are you currently now and what are you doing (career-wise)?
I'm currently living in Westfield, IN and I'm practicing at IU Health Riley as a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist.
 
My typical day centers around patient care in the morning, where I round with the interdisciplinary team, which includes doctors, fellows, residents, and nurses. My afternoon includes wrapping up any additional patient care and working on process improvement projects.
 
How did your time at Indiana State prepare you for your current career path?
My time at Indiana State helped me develop many crucial foundational skills to be successful. Time management, dedication, and perseverance are skills I learned on the swim team that help helped me tremendously through pharmacy school and residency and will continue to be beneficial skills throughout my career.
 
How did your time on the Indiana State swimming and diving team impact your time at Indiana State?
The swim team provided me with so much support during undergrad from relationships to resources. I was very nervous about moving away from family (even though I was only three hours from home), but the swim team was my family from the day I moved to Terre Haute and made that transition so much easier.
 
I was also provided many opportunities through the swim team, such as being a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where I became involved in leadership roles such as the Indiana State representative for the MVC SAAC as well as becoming president of Indiana State SAAC my senior year. These opportunities allowed me to gain connections and develop my skills as a leader to carry throughout my life.
 
What were some of your favorite memories with the team?
Honestly, the little moments are what I cherish the most. It was amazing to be able to have your best friends in such close proximity. We enjoyed doing spur of the moment things and being silly.
 
I remember during the first few weeks of freshman year, Allie and Bip came to my dorm room and said "We made up a dance routine to White and Nerdy. Do you want to see it?" And then proceed with the best dance routine in history. We had so many dinner dates to Tacos and Tequila and fun late-night conversations (baked and naked are spelled similarly so why aren't they pronounced similarly?) It was the best of times with the best pals.
 
What advice would you have for the current team members as they continue to progress through college and look ahead to the future?
My biggest advice is to soak up every moment and opportunity because the time during undergrad really does go by faster than you anticipate. And enjoy your time living with your best friends because after graduation they tend to scatter across the country (and maybe even the world).
 
But after graduation, really put in the effort to stay close with those relationships that matter the most to you. Life can get in the way but it always great to keep those strong relationships.
 
Have you been able to keep in touch with former teammates, coaches - and if so, when's the last time you've seen/spoke with them?
I have absolutely been able to keep in touch with some of my former teammates. I actually got to see some former teammates when we ventured out to the Pacific Northwest for Allie's wedding. It was so great to get to celebrate her and Austin (they met while in Terre Haute!).
 
Having been a part of the first recruiting class, how much have you kept track of the program and what has it been like for you to see the program grow into what it is now?
I have kept track of the program through social media. When I am able to, I also try to live stream the MVC Championships to cheer them on from work/home.
 
What does the future hold for you moving forward?
I'm finally getting to settle down from the crazy times of school/residency. I'm looking forward to getting to travel more with plans to travel to Italy in late Sept/early Oct.
 
We also just got a new puppy, a mini goldendoodle named Harper. She is keeping us very busy at the moment. At some point, my husband and I want to get a house and start a family but we want to enjoy some time together with a slower pace (hopefully life will slow down just a bit).
 
Follow the Sycamores
For the latest information on Sycamore Swimming and Diving, visit GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Fans can also receive updates on Sycamore Athletics by downloading the March On App from the both the App Store and the Google Play Store.