Athlete of the Week: KaiLani McGowan, Horizon High girls basketball

Horizon High girls basketball power/small forward KaiLani McGowan has made her presence known below the rim this year. She averaged 5.6 rebounds per game, leading the team with 96 total. The sophomore’s court knowledge expands further than below the rim. Standing at 5-foot-9, she also averages 63% from the field and 166 total points this season. 

What do you enjoy most about basketball? 

I enjoy playing with my teammates to win, traveling, and those intense or tied-up games.

When did you start basketball and why did you join?

I started playing basketball at the age of 12, and I joined because watching it was fun and I decided to give it a try.

What is your biggest accomplishment in basketball? 

Having those 20 points or more games and double-doubles. 

What has basketball taught you? 

It has taught me to be consistent, discipline and confidence is key.

How would you describe yourself as a teammate? 

I would describe myself as a very uplifting, funny, supportive and reliable teammate.

What advice would you give someone who just joined basketball? 

You’re trying out basketball for the first time, you won’t be perfect, but you will try your best, don’t give up, and if you want this and work every day, you’ll be just where you want to be.

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team? 

If I were a coach, I would give my team a strong and encouraging speech telling them to play their hardest, play together, have fun and give their best effort on my team.

What is your pre-game ritual?

I get home and I like to have a light/heavy meal, change to my game gear, go back to school, shoot around and listen to some relaxing music. Then later as it’s getting closer to game time, I listen to hype music.

If you could pick a different sport, what would it be? Why? 

If I had to pick another sport to play other than basketball, it would be volleyball. I say this because I feel like my height could come to good use in this sport and it’s pretty fun to play.

Who do you look up to the most? 

I look up to my dad the most, because he is very supportive in all I do.

What is something new you’d like to learn? 

Fishing.

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida? 

California.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

I would give some to my family, donate some of it and keep the rest for me.

What is your favorite holiday? Why? 

I love Christmas, because we get a break from school, I get to open gifts with my family, and it means that my birthday is coming up very soon.

What future career do you want to have? 

I want to continue in the path of playing basketball for sure, but something different would probably be a dermatologist.

If you became famous, what would it be for? 

If I were famous, it would be for sports or as an influencer.

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose? 

A giraffe.

What is your perfect day? 

My perfect day is waking up, going to the gym, then after to the courts with my dad, grabbing an açaí bowl after, then going to get my hair and nails done. Also hanging out with friends, having some of my mom’s amazing food for dinner and lastly, relaxing and watching Netflix.

Would you rather only eat fruit or vegetables? Why? 

I’d rather only eat fruit because there’s so many to choose from and they’re all delicious.