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Name: Kylie Jo Larsen
School: Preston High School
Grade: Junior
Sport: Basketball
Position: Center
How did you first get interested in your sport?
I first got interested in basketball at a pretty young age. I grew up around basketball, it was always a big part of my family’s life. My mom and dad and his whole family all played and so do their kids. I guess I've had the desire to play and to keep playing, especially for my dad.
If you play other sports, which is your favorite and why?
I also play soccer and I love it very much, I can't imagine anything without it and I really hope I can continue after high school. Next is track, this one definitely isn't my favorite, but at the end of a race I'm glad I do it every time. It has also made me a better athlete, pushing me to be quicker and stronger physically and mentally. But between basketball and soccer, it's really hard for me to choose my favorite because I love them a lot during their particular season. If I had to choose one sport just to play and continue playing at a high level, it would have to be soccer. I really can't explain why, but I just love it.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from high school sports?
The most valuable lesson I've learned in sports is working hard. In sports, you need a strong work ethic to get you to a championship game.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was, “You have to believe in yourself and take it to heart to become the best person and athlete you can become, you can't just depend on others’ praises to get you somewhere. You have to find it from deep down within yourself.” This means a lot to me and I've taken it to heart. This advice was given by my Grandpa Tony and soccer coach Brandon Lyon. They have both said these things, just in their own words.
What has been your favorite high school memory so far?
My favorite basketball memory happened recently actually. We had a game in Marsh Valley, and we ended up winning after a pretty decent game, but definitely not our best. When we got back on the bus, we all started talking about “Frozen 2” and how badly we wanted to see it, so we decided right then that when we got home all eight of us were going to hop in my mom's van go to the Providence Theater to watch the late-night showing. When we arrived, there was only this older couple at the time, until we loud, silly teenagers came in laughing and singing to every song. It was the best way to start our Christmas break.
What coaches or teachers have made the biggest impact on your athletic career?
Brandon Lyon, my high school soccer coach, has made the biggest impact on my athletic career. He has always been in my life ever since I was a little girl. His wife was our club soccer coach and I was best friends with his daughter. I always was at their house and he has always been there for me through everything. He is another fatherly figure in my life that I know I can depend on. I've never had such a strong relationship with a coach that will push me because he knows how good I can be and how far I can take my athletic abilities. I can never thank him enough for being the best coach and role model in my life.
Which teammates have you really connected with during high school?
The teammates that I really have connected with are some of my very best friends. I’ve connected Addison Moser and Sydnee Marlow the most. We have literally grown up together, playing every sport together on the same teams and constantly pushing each other to be the best athletes we can become. I can't think of a moment where we haven't been there for each other. This year Addison tore her ACL in the middle of soccer season, and it was one of the hardest things for us to comprehend because we wouldn't be able to finish our junior season with her on the field and the court. Sydnee and I’s goal was to be there for her every step of the way. Every game after that moment during soccer season, Syd and I wrote,"For Mo #13." We all learned to never take these beautiful games for granted and leave our whole hearts on the floor, because you never know when it's going to be your last.
Is there anyone in your family who have helped you get to where you are today?
I would have to say my Grandpa Elliot and my Grandpa Tony had a major role in where I am today. My Grandpa Elliot is a pretty quiet guy and a major role model to me. He's helped me with my foul shooting so much and he continues to give me little pointers to help make my shooting better. My Grandpa Tony is extremely motivational and really makes me think and question my mental strength. He’s helped me push myself to another level and continue to everyday.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Something most people don't know about me is that I love to go ride my horse. I have loved it ever since I was a little girl. I rode practically every single day until I started to get more and more involved in sports. I competed in an event called Team Penning and Sorting that my family was very involved in. Later, I gave 4-H a shot and did very well. What I always loved and craved was going on long mountain rides, either just for a relaxing getaway or a cattle drive, it’s honestly the best either way. I love having a free day in my crazy schedule where I can get on my horse, call up my grandpa and head off to an adventure. I recommend everyone sometime in their life to get up in the saddle and ride a horse because it's an awesome experience.
What about this season are you looking forward to the most?
This season I'm looking forward to seeing our growth as a team. We were pretty underestimated this year with losing our big tall people in the middle. I look forward to showing schools that we are a threat and we are a big competitor to earn our place in the state tournament. I love my team and I love how that we can play as a team and be there and find the girl that is having their big night.
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