KaCee Kyle signs with University of Texas Rio Grand Valley
Like many of her peers in the Class of 2021, KaCee Kyle KaCee Kyle 5'8" | CG Cherry Creek | 2021 State CO ’s recruitment did not take place under ideal circumstances.
But the Cherry Creek guard soldiered on and maximized her coronavirus-limited situation to improve in any way she could and get her name out there. After narrowing her decision down to just a few options, Kyle decided this week that it was time to make a decision.
Kyle has officially committed and signed to play Division-I basketball at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas.
“Basically, it kind of came down to UTRGV and Drury,” Kyle said. “At both schools, I had really good relationships with the coaches. I took an official visit at Drury and I toured the campus at UTRGV. I think it just gets to a point where you just kind of know and I know what was best for me and my family.
“That’s UTRGV.”
Kyle’s other top choice was Division-II powerhouse Drury University in Springfield, Mo., and she said playing at the Division-I level was not what gave UTRGV the edge. It simply felt like the right fit.
Cherry Creek head coach Clint Evans said he believes Kyle, a physical 5-foot-8 combo guard who excels at attacking off the dribble, will thrive while playing for head coach Lane Lord at UTRGV.
“KaCee is a perfect fit for UTRGV,” Evans said. “Coach Lord is a master of dribble-drive offense and KaCee will be really successful in their attacking style. UTRGV plays a very similar defense to what we played at Creek, so KaCee will hit the ground running. UTRGV put a premium on recruiting kids that were winning basketball players and KaCee embodies that in what she’s done each day for Cherry Creek.”
As a junior in 2019-20, Kyle averaged eight points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 35 percent (82 for 231) from the field and 27 percent (24 for 89) from 3-point range. The Bruins’ potential Class 5A state title defense, however, was cut short prior to what would have been a championship game rematch with Grandview because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now that she’s ensured her post-prep basketball future, Kyle said she hopes she gets a chance to play out her senior season with the Bruins in the spring.
“I’m ready to play and I’m excited to play,” Kyle said. “In our district, we still aren’t allowed in the gym so I’m excited to get back with my team and have a practice. I’ve been doing as much as I can on my own but I’m ready to practice with the team and play some games.”
Ranked No. 10 in the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2021 player rankings, Kyle was the highest-ranked uncommitted Colorado player in her class. Kyle plays club basketball for Hardwood Elite.
100% COMMITTED AND SIGNED!!
Thank you to my family, friends, teammates and coaches who have supported me along the way!! But a special thanks to Coach Lord and his coaching staff for giving me the opportunity!!! With that being said I’ve committed to UTRGV! #VsUP ✌🏼🏀 pic.twitter.com/wIM93eKolp— Kacee Kyle (@KaceeKyle) November 16, 2020