As winter approaches girls Kelly Walsh basketball starts up. Last year the girls finished 5th in the state tournament. With a 3-3 conference record.
Sophomore Hailey Larsen said, “It truly is a blessing to have such an amazing community that supports us and wants to see us do our best. I am so thankful for the opportunity each and every day to play the sport I love with such amazing girls.”
The Kelly Walsh girls basketball program has recently been rebuilt. With a completely new coaching staff. The new staff are currently working together to make the program successful.
Head coach Kayla Gilliam, now in her third year, said, “Growth takes time. Changing culture takes time. Building tradition takes time. I believe that where we have found success, is understanding that accomplishing these things is not only a process, but that growth is something that we should always be chasing.”
Kelly Walsh had missed reaching the state tournament in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons before Gilliam took over. The Lady Trojans have made the consolation championship in her first two years losing in 2023 and winning in 2024. Now the program continues to try and improve going into the 24-25 season.
To rebuild an entire program takes a lot, but Coach Gilliam came ready for the challenge. She has established relationships with the players and encourages them to grow.
“We have absolutely experienced success on the basketball floor, and I truly believe that is a result of the commitment to this process, and the absolute grit of my players. This year we have a group of girls in the gym wholeheartedly committed to each other and to this program, and I’m excited to witness the growth they make,” said Gilliam.
This year’s roster will look a bit different from last year’s roster. Post players Kendal Allaire and Lillian Hudson have both opted to do indoor track this season, as has Jordan Kroeger, another contributor in varsity games last season. The three seniors leading the team this year, Kennedy Davila, Ramya Green and Kayden Curry are ready to step up their leadership roles this year.
Davila, is a returning starter and All-State selection from last year and is looking forward to her senior season as a proven leader.
“It feels good to lead the team and help everyone become the best version of themselves. We all just need the confidence to do our best and I’m grateful to help them get there and support them,” said Davila
The girls won a game in the state tournament for the first time in 14 years in the season 2022-23. Then in the 2023-24 season the girls finished 5th at state for the first time in years. With the 2024-25 season right around the corner the young team is ready to have another season of success.
