For Rylan Lesnau, the packed stands and spirited cheers of McAlester fans are essential to her game. “Community support is very important because it’s a great feeling to look out and see packed stands full of supporters,” she said. That support drives Rylan, a sophomore at McAlester High School, who has grown up with a love for the game since she started playing basketball at age five. Raised as a McAlester Buffalo, Rylan is passionate about representing her school and community, bringing her best to every game.
Known for her upbeat energy on the court, Rylan strives to be a positive force for her team. “My role this year would be to always keep the energy up no matter how I’m playing during a game,” she explained, aiming to be a leader, even as an underclassman. Her work ethic and determination have been instrumental in stepping up for her team, especially when facing the challenges of being an underclassman. “I overcame that by playing my best no matter what and never to match the energy around you.”
Rylan’s mother has been one of her biggest influences, encouraging her to strive for greatness. “My biggest influence would be my mom, how she wants me to do great things and to my best abilities. She’s always been there for me,” Rylan shared, crediting her family as a major source of motivation. Rylan also looks up to her older brother, whose competitive spirit pushes her to work harder and never quit.
Reflecting on last season, Rylan’s proudest moments came when she scored over ten points in several games as a freshman, which boosted her confidence for this season. With a focus on improvement, she hopes “to get better as a team, and myself” and make it a memorable year. Beyond high school, Rylan envisions herself playing either basketball or softball in college, aiming to continue her athletic journey.
For younger players, Rylan offers advice grounded in perseverance: “There will be seasons that are tougher than others; just don’t give up and work hard through them.” Rylan’s dedication, resilience, and community pride make her a standout athlete for the McAlester Buffaloes.
