By Angela Brunk
Derby High School junior Kelby Clingan is entering this basketball season with a new level of confidence and excitement. As a versatile small forward and shooting guard, Clingan is focused on improving her game while being a positive, supportive presence for her teammates.
“One of my goals this season is every time I have an opportunity to shoot the ball, to shoot it and be more confident knowing that it will go in,” Clingan said. “A team goal I have is to be encouraging to everyone and be the best teammate.” Her team-first attitude and growing leadership make her a valuable part of Derby’s chemistry and success.
One of Clingan’s favorite parts of the season is the time spent with her team off the court. “I’m looking forward to those game days when we don’t have school,” she said. “We come to the school in the morning, hang out, and eat lunch together until game time. We truly are like a family, everyone loves and cares for each other, which is why we’re so close on and off the court.”
This offseason, Clingan trained hard to take her game to the next level. She worked with a personal coach on dribble moves, shooting, and overall basketball knowledge. On the court, she takes pride in her defensive energy. “I’m proud when I get blocks and steals, it makes me happy to know I’m delivering on defense as well as shooting threes on offense.”
Beyond basketball, Clingan is a multi-sport athlete, competing in volleyball and softball, and is an active member of FCA. Looking ahead, she hopes to play softball in college and pursue a career in education.
