POTEAU’S KIRA REINEMAN
BY MICHAEL BRAY
It’s not everyday that an incoming freshman has the chance to start, but for Kira Reineman that is the opportunity that is before her at Poteau.
“She has a chance to be a day 1 difference maker as a point guard,” said Lady Pirate coach Jarrett Lowrimore. “She has an elite skill set combined with a competitiveness and athleticism that will immediately impact our games. She will be a tough guard as well as bringing the ability to be an elite defender.”
Lowrimore and Reineman have something in common, both are new to Poteau basketball and will embark on the journey together.
“One of the foundations for our program is building greater relationships with people, it is not transactional, it is transformational, having an impact in each other’s lives,” the first year coach said. “She [Kira] is an unbelievable person to be around and she is constantly smiling. She’s a little bit on the quieter side but once you get to know her you know that in her heart she cares about people and wants to be the best teammate she can possibly be.”
Reineman who described herself as both determined and hardworking said the pressure from big moments is what drives her to be better every time she steps on the floor.
“My determination comes from wanting to prove myself by being someone my teammates can depend on,” the freshman point guard said. “I want to be the teammate that shows up everyday with effort and a positive attitude.”
She attributes that determination to her upbringing.
“I believe that comes from how I was raised: to work hard, stay grateful, be humble, put the team first and always give all the glory to God.”
Lowimore praised her determination and said her toughness brings a lot to the Lady Pirates.
“I’m not sure I’ve seen a freshman that plays as hard as she possibly plays,” he said. “I’m talking about any scrimmage that we play in she plays her absolute guts out. It’s incredible to watch. Usually freshmen are more timid but her toughness, effort and enthusiasm is unmatched. Offensively it’s pretty rare to have someone who can push the ball down the floor and have her eyes up so it helps us transition wise moving the ball up the floor so she’s pretty special in those aspects.”
One goal that Reineman has is to bring effort and a positive energy to the Poteau Lady Pirates along with a supportive attitude “by staying focused on doing the little things, staying coachable, and staying reliable.”
“I think that comes from how I was raised. to work hard, stay grateful, and never take opportunities for granted,” she said.
Kira’s abilities have already been noticed by the upperclassmen according to Lowimore.
“They understood very quickly who she is and what she is,” he said. “And it helps too that a lot of them play softball with her so they have six months extra with her. So our girls see very quickly how gifted she is and they already trust her in the sense that her abilities can help us succeed. It’s been a pretty seamless transition for them. They understand that she is a valuable piece of what we do. They all understood that when they watched her play.”
“When I was in the 5th grade, I played on the junior high team with Slatey Jo,” Reineman said. “She has always played with a positive team first attitude with a work ethic unlike most and she’s always been a positive influence in my life.”
A former teammate from Howe, Slatey Jo Free, is Kira’s role model.
Basketball goes beyond the court for Reineman. She applies it to her everyday life.
“It taught me if you want to be successful at the game you have to work hard, communicate, and put others first,” she said. “The game has pushed me to be disciplined, stay positive, and handle pressure with composure. I feel like those same lessons carry over into my everyday life.”
