For McAlester sophomore Kali Burow, basketball is about more than points on the board — it’s about growth, grit, and giving her all for the team beside her. “My mindset when I step on the court is to give everything I’ve got and stay locked in, like every second counts,” she said. “I remind myself about all the hard work that I have put in and trust not just myself, but also my teammates.”
That focus has helped Kali embrace her role as both a shooting guard and an all-around contributor for the Lady Buffs. “The position I usually play is shooting guard, or I have played a little bit of point guard, but overall, I am really just a role player,” she said. “I want to help where I’m needed and make sure I’m doing what’s best for the team.”
Kali’s team-first mentality is clear when she talks about the group’s goals for the season. “One of the team’s goals this year would be to work hard even if we don’t win every game,” she said. “We are working to achieve this goal by showing up for each other and not just doing this for ourselves but also doing it for the person next to you.”
The Lady Buffs’ chemistry and effort continue to grow stronger. “The biggest improvement that I have seen from this team so far would be how well we seem to be working together, trusting each other, and communicating even when it’s hard,” Kali said. “The team morale this year is good, but confidence could be increased to boost the morale.”
Even with a young roster, Kali sees their potential. “I think the team’s biggest strength right now is that we are all young, and we are all learning and growing to become the best team we could possibly be,” she said.
When it comes to her own focus, defense is at the top of her list. “My personal goal this year is to get better on defense,” she said. And when game day arrives, preparation is key: “I prepare myself physically by a healthy, energy-boosting meal before every game; I study the other team’s defense, and I always make sure to say a prayer before every game.”
After high school, Kali plans to earn her bachelor’s degree and attend law school to become a lawyer, but for now, her focus remains on leading McAlester with heart, discipline, and determination.
