Junior Kelli Hayes is an adept and agile player for Mitty girls basketball team that led the Monarchs to the league playoff title.
Starting in the third grade, Hayes wanted to be more active and discovered an interest in basketball. She said that at first the game did not come easily to her. However, she worked diligently throughout middle school where she developed her skill and became a talented player.
"I like basketball because of the freedom you get," Hayes said. "There is a basic structure but from there the players are free to make their own moves and decisions. I understand it and like that I'm able to play around with it. There isn't just one correct way to play, it's always different and it's a matter of finding our own style as a team and as individual players."
Coming from a highly athletic backgrounds with a father who played football and a mother who played volleyball, Hayes and her siblings followed in their parents' footsteps.
Hayes thinks being mentally engaged is her best contribution to the team. She is able to read and tap into her opponents and with a deep intuitive sense she makes her best judgment for the right pass or to go up strong and take a shot.
"I loved this entire season because so many things went on," Hayes said. "I can't pinpoint a specific time but it's the little things I remember. Through the good shots and passes we, as a team, have been through each game together and each play is excitement in its own."
Said athletic director Will Scharrenberg: "Kelli's strength would be that she is a team player and cares about her teammates and coaches. She'll do whatever it takes to win and comes up big when the team needs it the most."
Added Scharrenberg: "She knows how to score. She is dangerous from anywhere on the court and makes a high percentage of her shots."
In the wake of a successful season (17.1 points per game), the plaudits have come, including Prep2Prep.com's Central Coast Section Player of the Year award.
"I feel so excited to have received this award. I completely realize that I wouldn't have gotten this without the help of my teammates. It was the entire team, including my coaches, that guided us to victory."
Looking ahead, Hayes hopes that basketball will help open doors for her. Her current goal is to practice during the summer and to make the All-American team next year. She also hopes to one day qualify and play for the USA team during the Olympics.
Another dream Hayes has is to be a spokesperson for athletic companies such as Gatorade or Nike in order to create more opportunities for herself and others.
While it's essential to dream, the immediate future is Mitty basketball and there's nothing the Monarch star loves more.
"Honestly, I couldn't think of playing for another team because I love that all the other girls are like my sisters. We have a great bond that we've been building since elementary school and freshman year. So we have grown up together, played together and now were turning into better women and players who are succeeding together."
