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University of New Hampshire Athletics
Athlete Awards
Kaja Sandsten
- Award:
- Athletes of the Week
- Week:
- 2/17/2021
- Sport:
- Women's Skiing
- Bio:
- View Full Bio
Kaja Sandsten is a senior on the Nordic ski team from Oppdal, Norway. She has demonstrated strong leadership skills as a team captain. Kaja has seen success athletically over her career as she has been the Wildcats' top finisher numerous times, including the 15K classic and 5K skate at the 2020 EISA Championships. She also excels in the classroom, as she has been named to the National Collegiate All-Academic Ski Team and is a member of the National College Honor Society.
Q&A WITH KAJA
What is the best part about competing?
I love the feeling of progression, like all the hours of training I put down was worth it because I took steps and got better. After moving to the U.S., the better part was witnessing my teammates taking steps and achieving their goals! Nothing is more fun and rewarding than to share good experiences with people I know have worked hard every single day to get to the place they are.
How has athletics made you a better student?
I think the biggest gift athletics has given me is the ability to stand through the storm! As athletes, we know that training isn't always fun, but in the end, it'll be worth it because it helps you reach the goals you have. This is also applicable to studying, as it is certainly not always fun, but I always get it done because it'll be worth it in the end! I think one of the best (and worst) part of being an athlete is that the feeling of failure is the absolute worst, which results in always putting in that extra effort to avoid that from happening.
Did you always want to ski at a college in the United States?
I knew that if I wanted to keep skiing, I had to go somewhere else other than Norway. I wanted something else, and I always had a dream of studying English. It was the perfect option and I'm so grateful I got the chance to do it!
What are some of your favorite things about your hometown in Norway?
My favorite part is that is where my family and some of my friends (and dog) live! My other favorites are the proximity to the mountains, the ski trails and the absolute best bakery in the world!
Was the transition from Norway to Durham difficult for you? What has made it easier?
It was hard the first semester because the school system was very different, and it was tough combining school with a lot of training. I also missed waking up to the mountains! But the ski team made it easier. I can't emphasize enough how much they mean to me and my happiness, and they really feel like my American family. I also had a very supportive coach in Cory who did everything and anything to make the transition easier.
OFF THE SKI TRAIL WITH KAJA
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Movie: Interstellar
Favorite Song: Lose Yourself - Eminem
Favorite Place to Travel: Sardinia, Italy
Favorite Sports Figure: Petter Northug
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite Animal: Dogs!!!!
What did you want to be when you were younger: Teacher
Go to Karaoke song: Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus
What would you do if you won the lottery: Buy a vacation house somewhere tropical
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it: KJ
Dream Job: Diplomat
Check back each week to get to know two more Wildcats as part of the Service Credit Union Student-Athlete Spotlight. Thank you to Service Credit Union for sponsoring the Student-Athlete Spotlight.
Q&A WITH KAJA
What is the best part about competing?
I love the feeling of progression, like all the hours of training I put down was worth it because I took steps and got better. After moving to the U.S., the better part was witnessing my teammates taking steps and achieving their goals! Nothing is more fun and rewarding than to share good experiences with people I know have worked hard every single day to get to the place they are.
How has athletics made you a better student?
I think the biggest gift athletics has given me is the ability to stand through the storm! As athletes, we know that training isn't always fun, but in the end, it'll be worth it because it helps you reach the goals you have. This is also applicable to studying, as it is certainly not always fun, but I always get it done because it'll be worth it in the end! I think one of the best (and worst) part of being an athlete is that the feeling of failure is the absolute worst, which results in always putting in that extra effort to avoid that from happening.
Did you always want to ski at a college in the United States?
I knew that if I wanted to keep skiing, I had to go somewhere else other than Norway. I wanted something else, and I always had a dream of studying English. It was the perfect option and I'm so grateful I got the chance to do it!
What are some of your favorite things about your hometown in Norway?
My favorite part is that is where my family and some of my friends (and dog) live! My other favorites are the proximity to the mountains, the ski trails and the absolute best bakery in the world!
Was the transition from Norway to Durham difficult for you? What has made it easier?
It was hard the first semester because the school system was very different, and it was tough combining school with a lot of training. I also missed waking up to the mountains! But the ski team made it easier. I can't emphasize enough how much they mean to me and my happiness, and they really feel like my American family. I also had a very supportive coach in Cory who did everything and anything to make the transition easier.
OFF THE SKI TRAIL WITH KAJA
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Movie: Interstellar
Favorite Song: Lose Yourself - Eminem
Favorite Place to Travel: Sardinia, Italy
Favorite Sports Figure: Petter Northug
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite Animal: Dogs!!!!
What did you want to be when you were younger: Teacher
Go to Karaoke song: Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus
What would you do if you won the lottery: Buy a vacation house somewhere tropical
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it: KJ
Dream Job: Diplomat
Check back each week to get to know two more Wildcats as part of the Service Credit Union Student-Athlete Spotlight. Thank you to Service Credit Union for sponsoring the Student-Athlete Spotlight.
Date | Athlete | Sport |
|---|---|---|
| 9/29/2025 | Nicole Poulakis | Field Hockey |
| 9/29/2025 | Matt Vezza | Football |
| 9/22/2025 | Ruth White | Women's Cross Country |
| 9/22/2025 | Chase Wilson | Football |
| 9/15/2025 | Kathelijne Knuttel | Field Hockey |
| 9/15/2025 | Scott Williams | Men's Soccer |
| 9/10/2025 | Ricshya Walker | Women's Soccer |
| 9/10/2025 | Nick Reed | Football |
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