Mansfield junior, Kaylee Ward, was just five years old when she first picked up a basketball, and from that day forward, the rest is history. “Growing up, I always played with older girls and always looked up to them” recalls Ward as to what first piqued her interest into the game of basketball. “I wanted to be like them and make myself a better version, and constantly watching college ball pushed me to believe that I could make it there one day.” Fast forward to the 2023-2024 basketball season where Ward averaged 14 points per game, 9.5 rebounds per game, and 4.7 blocks per game.
When asked what she was most proud of in her basketball career, Kaylee stated, “I’m most proud of our state championship game this past season, although we didn’t come out with a win. One, we got there – and two, my teammates and I gave it our all and fought hard and I got to experience it with the best girls, the best coaches, and most of all my, sister Kynslee. A lifetime of memories were made throughout that game and that season and it will never be forgotten.”
This upcoming season will be one where 6’4 mega athlete Ward “Takes another step forward in her development as a player, especially on the offensive end,” explains Mansfield Lady Tigers head coach, Ethan Bowman. “Already in camps, she has been more versatile on offense shooting and hitting threes, breaking opponents down off the dribble from the perimeter to score and facilitate, executing pick and pop situations, starting the fast break by bringing the ball up the floor herself, and also still working hard in the low and high post areas.”
With two years still left in her high school career, Kaylee has had college offers from Tulsa University, UCA, University of Arkansas, ACU, UAFS, Mississippi State, Colorado University, and Georgia Tech as well as interested parties from Baylor, Texas Tech, OSU, OU, Missouri State, Kansas State, Rice University, Weber State, and Utah. But it’s not always “ball in a day’s work” when it comes to the sport of basketball. Sometimes it’s downright exhausting and you want to be anywhere but on the court. On those game days though, Ward offers this advice. “I try to keep myself positive most of the time because I know my team needs me but if I really get in my head at times, I know my teammates, as well as Coach Bowman, are always there to help me pick it back up.”
As for this next season, “Kaylee will take on more of a leadership role than she has in the past,” continues Bowman. “And I believe she will thrive in it. Herself and the Lady Tigers have been working hard so far this summer and are preparing to continue the culture that we have built.” When it comes to the generation below her and the advice she would give to young girls just starting the game, Ward leaves us with this. “Honestly just have fun in everything you do! Don’t be so hard and negative on yourself and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Just prove to them that YOU CAN! and forever stay humble and give all glory to the Lord.”
