Sequoyah Claremore’s Mati Kruis
A leader in nearly every statistical category for the Lady Eagles of Sequoyah Claremore High School, Matison “Mati” Kruis is the type of player every coach wants on their team. Kruis is a two-time All-Conference forward and a senior this year. Last season she led the team in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots. Kruis started playing basketball when she was in the fifth grade. Maybe a better soccer player, Kruis will sign with Pittsburg State to play soccer at the next level. For now, she is focused on helping the basketball team win games.
Being a multi-sport athlete means you learn lessons while competing in each sport. Basketball has taught Kruis a valuable lesson about hard work.
“Playing basketball has taught me that nothing is ever given to you. You have to work for what you want.
Kruis said she’s impressed with the team this season and how hard everyone is working.
“ ”“My whole team has impressed me this year. We as a team have improved so much and I’m proud of them,” Kruis said. “I love how supportive my teammates are. If I make a mistake, they try to pick me up and encourage me.”
Finding sources of inspiration is easy for Kruis.
“My parents inspire me to be the best version of myself. They believe in me when no one else does and pushes me to be better. Also, my brother he inspires me to be a good person and to stick up for myself. My family are my biggest supporters,” said Kruis.
Looking to her future, Kruis said she is excited to see what the next chapter holds.
“I am able to do concurrent classes at RSU being this close. Also, my basketball coaches have pushed me to be the best version of myself on and off the court,” Kruis said. “My goal is to play soccer at Pitt and to become a pediatric oncology nurse.”
Kruis said she loves her teammates and cherishes the memories she has made with every team she plays for at Sequoyah. “My favorite memory is when my team and coaches picked me up with the bus in my driveway when I woke up late.”
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