Kaiya Robertson signs Hoka NIL deal after record-breaking

Canadian NCAA standout Kaiya Robertson has signed a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal with Hoka. The 22-year-old Boise State University athlete is coming off a record-breaking season where she set a new all-conditions Canadian U23 mile record.

Robertson told Canadian Running she values the local connection of the partnership. Hoka's headquarters are in Portland, Oregon, where Robertson grew up after moving from Canada as a child. "I was excited that Hoka's from the city I have lived a lot of my life in, plus I really like the shoes," she said. The athlete also noted the brand's personal approach, stating, "Hoka has also been super friendly and kind throughout the process."

A versatile record-breaker

Robertson's rise has been marked by personal bests across multiple distances. Her primary event is the 1,500 meters, but she has shown impressive range. During the recent indoor season, she broke Gabriela Debues-Stafford's Canadian U23 all-conditions mile record.

Her versatility extends to cross-country. An eighth-place finish at the 2025 NCAA West Regionals helped her Boise State team qualify for the national championships. Robertson hopes to compete in cross-country one more time, but new NCAA age-based eligibility rules for the 2026-27 season currently make her ineligible. She is waiting for a final decision from the NCAA board.

Overcoming injury for a breakthrough

The 2026 outdoor track season presented challenges for Robertson. Injuries to her shins, ankles, and knees flared up towards the end of the indoor season, forcing her to take two weeks off from running at the start of the outdoor campaign. This disrupted her preparation.

Despite the inconsistent training block, Robertson managed a significant breakthrough. She ran a 1,500-meter personal best, which set a new Boise State record and earned her a spot at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. "I was actually surprised that I ran so well this year," Robertson admitted. She believes she can run faster with consistent training, as her PB came without a solid training foundation.

Looking ahead

Robertson is returning to Boise State for her final year of collegiate track eligibility. She remains eligible for the 2027 outdoor track season. The 1,500 meters remains her focal point. "The 1,500m has been my distance since high school, and I have a lot of fun with it," she said. She describes it as the perfect middle ground between her distance running strength and her speed in the 800 meters.

With a new brand partnership in place and optimism from her injury-marred but successful season, Robertson aims for greater consistency. If she is permitted to run cross-country this fall, it could provide a platform to build further momentum. Her recent performances suggest more personal bests and national records could be within reach for the Canadian athlete.