Kylyn Rigsby is setting new career records.
Rigsby is talented and she proves that every chance she gets. She is a college senior guard from Debeque, Colo. who has been playing since she can remember. With basketball being a family sport, she was already holding a ball since she could walk.
“Basketball is kinda my family’s thing. I always remember my dad teaching me how to dribble in the garage, when I was like four,” Rigsby said.
Senior forward Kelsey Siemons, has known Rigsby since freshman year and is quick to point out that it is not a show. That Rigsby truly is an asset to the team in multiple ways.
“She is definitely a leader, but she leads by example,” Siemons said. “She usually doesn’t give any speeches or anything, but she is always showing us what it means to put in the work.”
Rigsby has set new career highs. Changing almost all of her season stats from her freshman year by double or more. This season she scored a new career high playing against Regis University. She was well prepared when she scored 34 of 66 points throughout the game.
Rigsby has also recorded two double doubles in eight days. She also recorded 26 points against Fort Lewis College Friday night.
“It’s special to get a career high in anything. Honestly, I think the best part was my teammates. They made it really fun because there weren’t any fans and my parents didn’t get to be there, my teammates definitely made up for it and it was fun because of them,” Rigsby said.
Having eight seniors on the team allows for closer bonds. For Siemons, that means having Rigsby as a roommate.
“Kylyn is just kind of bubbly, and happy go lucky. She makes the game more fun, or at least she has for me. When you are stressed she helps out,” Siemons said.
Rigsby is averaging at 16.0, showing the work she has put in. With every athlete, there is something that keeps them motivated and something that makes them strive to work harder. Rigsby shared why she finds it important to work as hard as possible.
“You never know if you’re gonna have a game this weekend. So, I really just want to make sure that I go out and play my hardest and leave it all out on the floor. I want to make sure I do my part, whether that is on defense or offense,” Rigsby said.
As one of eight seniors on the team, Rigsby has also found herself in a more leadership based role.
Rigsby has shown what it means to put in effort, dedication, and hard work. She has become a leader through her actions and not just her words.
Rigsby and the rest of the women’s basketball team continue their season on Feb.5 at 5:30 P.M. at South Dakota Mines.
