The Piedmont High School girl’s basketball team is a young group of players that work hard to get better with every practice and learn from every game. One new face to the team this season is Kenley Crawford, the daughter of head coach Joe Crawford.

Kenley is the younger sister to three Piedmont alumni who are all playing in basketball in college. Those are some big shoes to fill, but Kenley is up for the challenge.

“My goal for this season is to just keep improving. We are young and new into Class 6A, so we all knew this year was going to be tough,” said Kenley. “Our record might not show it, but our team has grown so much in just the past few weeks. We are growing and learning as a team, and we all have hope that this is just the beginning.”

Kenley is a freshman and has called the basketball court home since the age of three. Having teammates to grow and mature with is making this season one they will remember.

“What I love most about my teammates is how hard everyone works and how unselfish everyone is. We all have a drive to get better,” Kenley said. “One thing I love most about being a student-athlete at PHS is the environment. Everyone is so invested in their academics and sports.”

Everyone on the team is working to improve their game, including the freshman.

“I think I have most improved in my confidence at the basket. Driving always used to be a struggle for me simply because I wasn’t confident going up against people bigger than me at the basket. I have grown more confident in my driving abilities and not being afraid to just go,” said Kenley.

In the classroom, Kenley is serving as vice president for her grade, and she is a member of the volleyball team and track team. Her favorite subject is English, and her favorite teacher is Mr. Medcalf. Kenley said she would like to follow in her sister’s footsteps.

“After I graduate, I plan on playing college basketball,” said Kenley.

In her free time, Kenley said she loves hanging out with friends and shopping.