Lincoln senior Kayli Atkinson knew she was in the right spot when she first stepped onto campus.
Accustomed to the top-notch culture at Lincoln Christian, she was looking for a winner — and she found one.
Atkinson committed to Missouri Southern State in Joplin, MO in June, making her pledge to play at the next level before her senior year begins.
The senior, who averaged 7.5 points and 1.6 steals per game, while shooting 33% from beyond the arc, helped Lincoln to the program's first state title in March. She was the team-leader in made threes, with 47 triples in 32 games.
She'll look to do the same this winter before heading up the turnpike.
"When I went on a visit to campus, it just felt right immediately," Atkinson said. "The coaching staff made me feel needed and told me I would be a great fit for their program."
The familiarity of culture between the program she is a part of now, and the one she will join, was noticeable to Atkinson.
"They are building a strong winning culture here and I want to be a part of that," she said. "Coming from a school like Lincoln, we live to win. They also have strong leadership within the coaching staff and I see that reflecting on the players."
Atkinson also had some familiarity with the MSSU players and after getting to know the staff, felt comfortable enough to make her decision.
"I also absolutely loved the girls and knew a few of them already," she said. "They have good chemistry on and off the court. The coaches have been amazing at building a relationship with me and continuing to check in and reach out often."
After a busy recruitment season, the senior was happy to settle on a future school, amidst the ever changing environment and competitive recruiting landscape.
"The process was like a roller coaster," she said. "It seemed like I would gain a lot of momentum and think I was close to getting an offer from a coach. And then there were times I would get an offer I wasn't expecting. It was neat to hear perspective from the different programs and why they wanted a player like me."
That made some conversations difficult, as Atkinson had several other schools to choose from before deciding to join the Lions' program.
"Leading up to committing to MSSU, I had to have some tough conversations with coaches that I loved building relationships with and respected very much," she said. "That was tough."
But with her decision made and clarity achieved, Atkinson got back to work, hoping to fine tune her game in her final year as a Bulldog.
"After that was done, I had more time to think about my future and even start working on drills and concepts that I would be expected to excel at when I get to MSSU," she said. "I still schedule phone calls and text the coaching staff and players at MSSU weekly to keep building our relationships."
Atkinson is looking forward to the high level of competition and cherishing every moment of her playing days as she transitions from high school to college.
"I am looking forward to the challenge to compete for a spot on the court with my new teammates," she said. "And to making new friends. It's like a fresh slate again to build on. Being a freshman again and knowing how fast this time goes, I don't want to waste a second. I want to build a winning legacy to leave behind there as well."
She has one more year at home, which means one more year with her dad, Josh, who has been her coach growing up and, along with her mom, have provided all the support Atkinson has needed to arrive at this stage in life.
"He played basketball throughout high school and college and he has been able to give me really good advice, push me to be the player I am today and compete at the next level," she said. "Both of my parents have always been a big supporter on and off the court for me."
Atkinson's special relationship with another coach, Lincoln's Melody Stewart, has played a huge role in her career and development, as well, providing guidance and a role model for the sharpshooting senior.
"Coach Stewart has always been there for me and been someone I can always go to for anything," Atkinson said. "She was the first person I called when I was ready to commit to MSSU. She spoke life into me and encouraged me that I was making the right choice for my future. She encourages not only me but the whole team. She is great leader to look up to and have in my life."
While the future is bright for Atkinson, the present is not finished yet, as the senior and her teammates have a title to defend, which is where her focus is now.
"I'm ready to be a leader for this team," she said. "I'm just focused on giving them every bit of my energy and enthusiasm I can this season. I'm looking forward to bringing home another gold ball."
Photos by Lee Talley
