Work ethic helps former Belhaven women鈥檚 basketball star overcome life鈥檚 obstacles
JACKSON, Miss. (BVM) 鈥� As we progress through life, we experience things that help us grow as human beings. It may be something we watch happen or something we expense first hand. But for Keke Lyles, she has the basketball court to thank for the growth she鈥檚 experienced.聽
Being raised in Sawyerville, Alabama, Lyles has always had a competitive side to her as she participated in basketball, volleyball, and track. But her growth on the court came naturally.聽
Since the age of seven, Lyles has had the knack for the game of basketball. Her first-ever basketball team was the A High Ballers (her grade school team). Her consistency to her team brought joy to the youth coach.聽
Several years later, Lyles鈥� dependability allowed her to see playing time as a seventh-grader. However, her reliability did not always draw encouraging words from the peers around her. She was told she was not tall or strong enough, which ultimately led to her skill set improving.聽
Lyles chose to go to the gym every day to work on her defense and her shot. Lyles鈥� hard work led to her becoming a starter just a year later, in eighth grade. Although she was still not the tallest on the court, Lyles relied on her quickness and defense to secure that starting role.聽
Becoming a starter in grade school was special for her, but when high school rolled around, those quickly became some of her favorite years she has ever experienced. One of her favorite memories was when she led Akron High School, in Alabama, to one of the state tournament鈥檚 final games. Her team was awarded medals and received special care packages. The hospitality of the team mom assigned by the playoff sponsors gave her comfort, and that has stuck with Lyles ever since.聽
Through high school, Lyles also enjoyed playing AAU basketball because it allowed her to compete on the same team with those from rival schools and those with similar skill sets.聽
Entering her senior year of high school, another hurdle appeared in front of Lyles. Her high school was shut down due to the lack of students at the school. Lyles had to choose another school the day before classes started. A difficult experience through and through, Lyles was able to push through more adversity once again.
After graduating high school, Lyles’ next destination was just 12 hours away from her current home. She would be continuing her basketball career at Neosho County Community College. Being able to adjust quickly, Lyles was able to shake most of the homesickness off. Playing basketball at Neosho gave her a boost of confidence and hope that her basketball career could prevail. Although her freshman year brought along being redshirted, Lyles was determined to become a starter.聽
During her sophomore campaign, that hard work and determination would pay off. Lyles became a starter and became a team leader. To go along with her work on the court, her work off the court as a team tutor was continuously recognized. She also maintained a 4.0 GPA.
Fast forward to her junior year, Lyles transferred to Belhaven University, which was only two hours away from her home. While at Belhaven, Lyles became even better on the court as she received weekly and yearly honors. Included in those awards was the honor of being named the 2020 Teammate of the Year for the women鈥檚 basketball program.聽
Congratulations to Keke Lyles for being selected as Women鈥檚 Basketball鈥檚 representative for Teammate of the year!
— Belhaven Blazers (@BelhavenBlazers)
With defense being her focal point, Lyles ended the season ranked in the top ten in the nation for steals.聽
鈥淢y offense feeds off of my defense,鈥� Lyles stated. 鈥淥nce my defense is there, my offense is there.鈥�
Everything was looking up for Lyles, but the world would lay another obstacle in her path. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down her season, and Lyles was forced to step away from basketball. But now, with another year of college eligibility, Lyles had to decide if she wanted to go back to play ball or pursue her dream job. She decided to pursue her dream job of becoming a teacher, and now she enjoys working with all her students.聽
As a P.E teacher, Lyles is able to stay connected to sports and train kids in her favorite sport. Granted the opportunity, Lyles鈥� love for the game of basketball will bring her back to the hardwood.聽
As she continues to teach, Lyles still finds motivation in her support system, including her sisters, who look up to her. As the oldest female sibling, she knows she has to set the best example. With that, she knows her support system will lift her up when things get rough as they already have.聽
While Lyles is not pursuing her basketball career, she is also channeling her business side as she aspires to run a fashion boutique. In addition to that, she is currently writing a book about her sports journey.
Lyles is always open to the idea of training athletes in her area of expertise. She encourages all athletes to set goals and work hard to accomplish them as she conquered her goal of becoming a collegiate basketball player.
鈥淕ive 110% and be the leader that you want to see,鈥� Lyles said.
