Autumn Caya Commits To Marian University Cycling

By Michael Kubancsek

Autumn Caya, hailing from Shelby Township, Michigan, is the latest roster addition for the Marian University cycling team. Caya will become a Knight next fall, after graduating from Lutheran High School North.

Set to study in the dual degree engineering program to earn a degree in both mechanical engineering and biology, Caya brings a very strong student-athlete background to Marian. Caya races in the track, road, and mountain disciplines and also looks forward to trying her hand at cyclocross while in college. She has been active with her state's NICA league as well as racing frequently at the Lexus Velodrome, where she rides for the Elite Lexus Junior Track Team.

"The cycling program sparked my interest when I saw Marian cyclists come to race at my home track," reflected Caya. "What sealed the deal for me was the Dual Degree Engineering Program with Marian and Purdue, allowing me to pursue my passion for cycling, math, and science."

Caya has raced to eighth place at USA Cycling Junior Track Nationals and earned three Michigan State Championships in 2019 (women's 15-16 road race, criterium, and time trial). She also finished last season ranked in the top-10 in varsity women in the Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association six-race series.

Outside of cycling, Caya is a member of her high school's varsity ski team and National Honors Society, and serves as a youth counselor for the Detroit Fitness Foundation.

Autumn Caya, 15, of Shelby Township, top, rides warm up laps with, bottom from left, Kurt Westphal, 56, of Northville, Rebecca Hartrick, 16, of Auburn Hills and Jackson Robar, 27, of Detroit at the Thursday night structured training at the Lexus Velodrome in Detroit on June 13, 2019. A group of youth is going to the National Track Championship in California and is still trying to fund their trip. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

From front, Craig Batory, 29, of Detroit, Autumn Caya, 15, of Shelby Township, Kurt Westphal, 56, of Northville, Rebecca Hartrick, 16, of Auburn Hills and Jackson Robar, 27, of Detroit ride warm up laps. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

Donell Anderson, left, 12, of Detroit, Autumn Caya, 15, of Shelby Township and Charles Moore, 45, of Plymouth ride warm up laps. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

Charles Moore, 45, of Plymouth, top, rides warm up laps with, bottom from left, Mark Atkinson, 51, of Northville, Craig Batory, 29, of Detroit, Autumn Caya, 15, of Shelby Township, Kurt Westphal, 56, of Northville, Rebecca Hartrick, 16, of Auburn Hills and Jackson Robar, 27, of Detroit. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

Rebecca Hartrick, 16, of Auburn Hills, right, with Autumn Caya, 15, of Shelby Township ride warm up laps at the Thursday night structured training. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

Autumn Caya, left, 15, of Shelby Township and Rebecca Hartrick, 16, of Auburn Hills listen to coach Alex Burnside during their training session. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

Autumn Caya, 15, of Shelby Township about to get back on the track. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

Autumn Caya, 15, of Shelby Township, right, rides warm up laps at the Thursday night structured training. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

From front, Autumn Caya, 15, of Shelby Township, Kurt Westphal, 56, of Northville, Rebecca Hartrick, 16, of Auburn Hills and Jackson Robar, 27, ride warm up laps. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

Rebecca Hartrick, 16, of Auburn Hills, right, with Autumn Caya, 15, of Shelby Township while she checks the tension her bicycle chain. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

From front, Autumn Caya, 15, of Shelby Township, Kurt Westphal, 56, of Northville, Rebecca Hartrick, 16, of Auburn Hills and Jackson Robar, 27, of Detroit ride warm up laps. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

Autumn Caya, 15, left, watches while her dad, Aaron Caya, works on loosening the back wheel of her bike. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

Autumn Caya, 15, of Shelby Township, left, rides warm up laps at the Thursday night structured training at the Lexus Velodrome in Detroit on June 13, 2019. Caya is one of the youth going to the National Track Championship in California.Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

From front, Autumn Caya, 15, of Shelby Township, Kurt Westphal, 56, of Northville, Rebecca Hartrick, 16, of Auburn Hills, Jackson Robar, 27, of Detroit, Charles Moore, 45, of Plymouth and Mark Atkinson, 51, of Northville ride warm up laps. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News

Rebecca Hartrick, 16, of Auburn Hills, right, with Autumn Caya, 15, of Shelby Township talking about bicycle tires at the Thursday night structured training at the Lexus Velodrome in Detroit on June 13, 2019. (Robin Buckson / The Detroit News)Robin Buckson, The Detroit News