Sequoyah Claremore’s Matison Kruis
By Trina Walker
Basketball drives Matison Kruis to be the best version of herself. Watching her big brother play inspired her as a nine-year-old to take up the sport.
“It challenges me every day,” she says.
Best known as Mati to her friends, she is now a senior at Sequoyah High School. She takes her role as a student-athlete seriously. Showing leadership and skill on the court is her opportunity to inspire the young girls in the stands.
“I love to compete for my high school. Basketball has taught me that you have to work hard for what you want, you don’t just have it handed to you,” says Mati.
She plays as a power forward and is a top scorer for her team.
“My favorite part about being a power forward is you can post up and score and also score from the outside,” said Kruis.
The accomplishment Mati is most proud of is being selected as All-Conference for two years. She laughs about her favorite memory, recalling the time she had to be picked up by her team and coaches in her driveway because she overslept.
“ ”Being on a team is a bonding experience that builds friendships. Mati would love to spend time with the rest of the senior girls on a dream vacation to Hawaii. Landry, Cylie, and Ali would be the best travel companions. She would of course also take her family.
“I would love to say thank you to my parents. You guys have pushed me through so many challenges in my basketball career. My mom inspires me. She is the strongest woman I know. She always cares for everyone and thinks about everyone else before herself. She’s the best mom I could’ve asked for,” Kruis said. “I also want to say thank you to my coaches, Coach Ott, Mrs. Coach Ott and Coach Holt. You guys have believed in me since you have known me and pushed me to get better every day!”
In addition to being an asset to her basketball team, Mati is a midfielder and outside back on her soccer team.
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