For junior shooting guard/small forward Kayla Stidham, basketball is more than just a sport. It’s a platform that pushes boundaries, builds connections, and inspires others both on and off the court. Stidham has been a valuable leader to the girls basketball team this season, becoming a key player and helping those around her improve while creating memories in the process.
However, Stidham’s journey to success hasn’t always been easy.
“I transferred from New [Palestine] to HSE my 8th grade year and I think that was the hardest thing to do,” Stidham said. “I grew up in New Pal and made sacrifices knowing I may have to lose some friends to prove those people who doubted me wrong.”
“I grew up in New Pal, and making that change meant making sacrifices, knowing I might lose some friend and prove those people who doubted me wrong.” Stidham said.
While sacrificing friendship, this challenge helped shape her into the determined and confident athlete she is today.
“I have always played up a grade or two and I often struggled with confidence when playing against bigger, stronger, and more experienced players,” Stidham said. “Over time I have really realized that confidence comes from repetition. Putting in extra shots after practice or going in on off days and getting a workout in,” explains Stidham. This mindset has helped fuel her success on the court averaging 10.3 PPG and 41% from 3 PT range this season.
This overachieving mindset has helped fuel her success on the court averaging 10.3 PPG and 41% from 3 PT range this season. Through consistency and dedication these past few years, Stidham has found that her stride and confidence is translating to the court.
Even on off days, Stidham finds ways to help support her team.
“As a shooter you’re always going to have off games and when that happens, I try to make the game better for someone else. Making the extra pass or rebounding on offense and defense,” Stidham said.
This team-first attitude has helped her become a leader over the years, helping the girls basketball team to a #1 state ranking. However, all of this would not be possible without her mother as she credits her love for basketball to her mother, who played in college and introduced her to the game at a young age. This connection with the game has been driving her journey as she sets her sights on new goals.
“I think everyone’s goal is to win state in the long run, but a smaller goal of mine is to improve my shooting consistency, more than anything, from beyond the three-point line,” Stidham said.
As Stidham continues her high school career, she’s not just preparing for the next game, she’s building a legacy. Her dedication to grow as a teammate has turned her into a role model and leader for those around her. With numerous Division One offers, a bright future awaits Stidham. But for now, she is ready to take on whatever challenges come her way, inspiring her team and community along the journey.
