Kayla Kirtley, Hamilton Heights’ senior, has signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the Taylor University Trojans. Taylor University is a member of the Crossroads Leaguee. She is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Kevin and Christina Kirtley.
“The quality and prestige of a Taylor University degree, the high level of athletic competition, the Christian community, and the small rural setting made Taylor a great fit for me,” said Kayla Kirtley, who plans to major in biology in preparation for a post graduate education in either dental or medical school. “Also, I’m excited to play for Coach Jody Martinez and be part of his first recruiting class at Taylor!”
“I’ve loved basketball ever since I can remember,” said Kirtley, who trains year-round and spent hours in the gym to develop skills to broaden her game. “In addition, spending time in the weight room and participating in speed and agility training has elevated my endurance and strength.”
A strong student athlete, Kirtley has been recognized for her athletic and academic achievements. She is among the Top 10 percent of her class, named to the Academic All-State, IBCA, 1,000 points scorer (1,119 total career points), Top 60 Seniors, Hoosier Basketball Magazine, IBCA Top 100 Underclass Showcase 2016, 2017, All-Conference 2014-2018, All Hamilton County and All-Academic Hoosier Conference Athlete.
Kirtley said her dad has been a major influence in guiding her athletic career. “He has always been there for me and taught me proper shooting form at a young age,” she explained. She also credits her trainers, Christopher Thomas and Brian Hahn who helped sharpen and elevate her skills. Tony Marlin, Coach of AAU Flight Thunder team, exposed her to elite competition, and Coach Keegan Cherry helped her to become a student of the game.
Kirtley is a member of the Honor Society, Key Club, Husky 4-H’ers, and Indiana Junior Angus Association. Deeply involved in 4-H, especially showing Angus Cattle, Kirtley has had success both locally and at the state and national levels showing cattle. Kirtley enjoys working on the family farm, which is a year-round obligation. There she can be found engaging in some of her favorite events which include calving, baling hay, building fences, and mowing.
Hamilton Heights Athletic Director Kurt Ogden said, “Kayla is one of the hardest working student athletes that I’ve been associated with. When she’s not working on her game or academics, she’s involved with the preparation of her livestock for 4-H along with all the other chores associated with living on a farm. It’s great to see the dividends pay off for such a hard-worker. Taylor University is getting one of our finer student athletes who has been a pleasure to work with as a representative of Hamilton Heights athletics.”
“Kayla works extremely hard and is very deserving of continuing her basketball and academic career as a Trojan under the direction of Coach Martinez and staff at Taylor University,” said Coach Keegan Cherry, Heights Varsity Girls Basketball. “As good of a basketball player that Kayla is, she’s an even better person. Kayla is an exemplary student athlete in the classroom and community who has left a legacy of work ethic and character on Husky girls’ basketball. She is part of a senior class that has raised the bar and expectations for our program. I will forever be appreciative of Kayla’s contributions – Tradition Never Graduates.”
Taylor University, Head Coach, Jody Martinez, said, “I am excited about the future of Taylor University Women’s Basketball with Kayla joining the team in the fall of 2018. I love Kayla’s work ethic and attitude on and off the court. She strives for excellence in all that she does in life, and I am confident that Kayla will continue that focus at the collegiate level. We are truly blessed to have the Kirtley family join the Taylor University Community.”
Hamilton Heights’ senior Kayla Kirtleyhas signed a letter of intent to play basketball for Taylor University in Upland, Indiana.
Pictured – First row: Dr. Kevin Kirtley, Kayla Kirtley (seated), and Christy Kirtley. Second row: Kyle Kirtley, Taylor University Asst. Coach Natalie Young and Head Coach Jody Martinez, and Kole Kirtley. (Photo provided)