Kisha Swafford-Gayhart


High School Honors
Three Basketball letters. All-PIL 2nd Team as a senior.
4 Track & Field letters. On State Championship 4x100m relay team as a sophomore; State Champion at 100m and 200m and 4x100m Relay Team as a senior.
Post-High School Career
Associate degree from Portland Community College, 2000; attended Warner Pacific College. Served in Portland Public Schools, 2000-2013, in high needs special education; in-home care for seniors with special needs from 2013-2021. Currently a teacher in Camas School District working with special needs students. Inducted into Benson Hall of Fame, 2024
Commentary
I’m extremely honored to be among the talented athletes who made a difference at their school. Sports have always been a huge part of my life. I couldn’t imagine myself not being a sports fan.
During my high school journey at Benson Tech I had the time of my life with ease. Having great coaches helped tremendously. I think about how each coach has helped me get to where I’m at today.
Thank you to all my basketball coaches, Sonora McDuffie, Daryl Moore, and Dennis Carline. Dennis, I appreciate how you let me be me on the court. From barking at opponents to fronting bigs on the block. Man, I loved that! To my track coaches, the legendary Leon McKenzie and master mind John Mays, thank you! Mays, I appreciate you always being honest and real. Leon, there’s so much I can say. Thank you so much for being such a huge factor in my life while I was in high school. We had a connection that no one could replace. I’m not sure if you knew it but, you were a father figure that I could turn to whenever I needed. You definitely had my back without hesitation.
Now I’ve started a new journey. I will be the new freshman girls basketball coach at Camas High School and one of the assistant coaches for the track and field team.
Thank you to everyone who’s coached me, who cheered for me and those who stood by my side. You all hold a very special place in my heart forever. Now I’m ready to give back what I’ve received! A time to remember always, Benson Tech. Thank you!
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