More Than a Court: Kali Briar and the Legacy Beneath Her Feet

Legacy. In a world where you can't take it with you, legacy is all you have to leave behind. Senior women's basketball player Kali Briar knows this better than anyone as she grew up under the legacy of Sterling College's winningest coach of all time, Lonnie Kruse.

Kruse, who posted a record of 706-244 through 33 years of coaching the Lady Warriors has quite the resume: the KCAC Coach of the Year Award 12 times, winning 12 KCAC regular season titles, making 16 trips to the NAIA National Tournament, 10 trips to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen, two trips to the NAIA Elite Eight and one NAIA Final Four Appearance with 30 winning seasons, just to name a few.

Now, Kali is carving her own path at Sterling, but her grandfather's legacy is never far from her thoughts.

"My grandpa was big on relationships, and that has helped shape me," she said. "I feel like being in that environment taught me a lot about life."

Kali's love for basketball was fostered at a young age, thanks in large part to her grandfather's influence. She spent countless hours in the gym, witnessing his passion for the sport and his love for his family and faith.

That passion ignited a fire within her, one that has fueled her competitive spirit and propelled her to pursue basketball at the collegiate level.

"I've always wanted to play for as long as I was able," Kali said. "I'm very competitive, and I found that fire and passion for basketball at a very young age. I even teased my grandpa to keep coaching so I could play for him one day."

While her grandfather's legacy lives on within her, Kali has had to navigate the difficult journey of losing him. Knowing he wouldn't be able to watch her play the sport they both loved was an immense challenge. However, she draws strength from his memory and uses it as motivation to continue their shared bond through basketball.

"It's hard wanting to go and talk to him after games and he's not there," Kali said. "It's also hard seeing my grandma be so strong and sit alone at my games when I know he should be there right beside her."

Despite the heartache, Kali carries her grandfather's legacy with her every time she steps onto the court, especially the Lonnie Kruse Court in the Gleason Center. It was one of the driving factors that led her to choose Sterling College during her recruiting process.

"Sterling had always felt like home, and I feel the closest to my grandpa when I get to step on his court," she said. "I wanted to be able to continue on his legacy. Sterling's women's basketball program was very successful. It always has been, and I wanted to be a part of that as well."

As Kali reflects on her time at Sterling thus far, she is filled with gratitude for the memories she has created with her teammates. She's embraced the team's theme of joy in the process and cherishes the relationships she has built along the way.

"I think this team is super special, and I'm just really excited to continue to play with them," she said. "I have a lot of fun with them, and our coaching staff is amazing. So, I'm really looking forward to the second half of the season and finishing out strong."

Looking ahead, Kali understands that nothing in life comes easy, but she knows that hard work and perseverance will lead to success. She strives to soak in every moment, finding joy even in the difficult times.

"I think the biggest lesson I've learned from my experience is that nothing in life is easy, but if you put in the work, it will lead to success," Kali said. "Great opportunities are what create unforgettable moments."

Beyond basketball, Kali remains grounded in her faith. She acknowledges that her identity is not defined by the sport but by her relationship with God. Before every game, she takes a moment to pray, right beside her grandfather's signature on the court, thanking God for the gifts and abilities He has given her and asking that He be glorified through them.

While Kali's future plans are not set in stone, she envisions a career in graphic design, allowing her the flexibility to be present in her family's life. For now, Kali remains focused on the present, cherishing the moments she shares with her teammates and the legacy she is building at Sterling College.

With her grandfather's spirit guiding her every step of the way, she continues to leave her mark on and off the court, embodying the values he instilled in her.