KATELYN WILSON-STILWELL

A standout in two sports, Katelyn (Or Kate as she’s known) Wilson finds herself in a new role as the 2024 basketball season is about to get underway.

“Kate has been a part of two state tournament teams in three years and was a crucial part of both teams,” said her coach Matt Lea. “She’s played on senior dominated teams but this year she is the only starter returning and so she will have to step up as our team leader. She’s the definition of what we’re looking for as a leader on the floor and in the locker room. We have a couple of other seniors in Kenzie Starr who didn’t get to play much last year because we were so deep and Elise Sawney who was hurt all last year,so Kate has the most floor experience to lead the new faces we’ll have.”

“I think a good leader is being the teammate that’s not yelling at everyone but keeping them up when they make mistakes and setting a good example and someone they can talk to if they’re having a bad day and someone that always has a positive attitude,” said Wilson.

Kate is also a standout softball player for the Indians and was named the district shortstop of the year.

“My mom played college softball at NSU and so she got me into it when I was about three and softball was a big part of my life for a long time while basketball was just kind of a side sport. It stayed that way until I got to high school when that all changed. Being part of a state tournament basketball team my freshman year was really fun, and I decided that I really wanted to get better at it and the more time I put into it, the more in love with it I became,” she said.

Wilson has several role models that have influenced her through sports and life.

“In softball Taya Ross was a role model. She was one of the best softball players in the county and we played together, and she went on to play at NEO. She was humble and a good leader and was always there for me. In basketball I looked up to Snowda Watie. I played against her in middle school and with her in high school and now she’s at NSU. You could always see the leader in her.”

But perhaps her biggest role model is closer to home.

“My dad has always pushed me and has always been there when I’m down or make a mistake. He’s also the pastor of our church and is the biggest role model in my life and in sports.”

Kate is also busy outside of sports as a member of the FCA, Girl Up, Fishing Club and National Honor Society. Following graduation next spring Wilson plans on going to OSU to become a physical therapist.