Few saw her potential. Now she’s setting records on the basketball court

Kiyara Letlow’s basketball journey began eight years ago in Toronto, where she was not the most talented player on the court. Despite excelling in sports like volleyball and soccer, basketball did not come easily to her. The 22-year-old forward for Cape Breton University in Sydney, N.S., faced challenges such as teammates not passing her the ball, which led her to contemplate quitting the sport.

However, Letlow decided to take matters into her own hands and focused on becoming an exceptional rebounder. Her hard work and dedication paid off as she recently broke the Atlantic University Sport record for career rebounds with 1,022, with still more playing eligibility left. Letlow’s coach, Christopher Rao, described her achievement as “bonkers” and “crazy,” highlighting her exceptional talent and work ethic.

Standing at six-foot-one with a six-foot-six wingspan, Letlow attributes her rebounding success to her height, wingspan, hustle, and innate ability to predict the ball’s trajectory. While rebounding can be taught to some extent, Letlow possesses a natural gift for it. She leads the country in average rebounds per game at 15.1 and also tops the scoring charts with an average of 21.7 points per game.

During her university selection process, Letlow visited several Canadian universities, with most viewing her as a role player. However, Cape Breton University stood out as Coach Fabian McKenzie saw her potential as a key player. McKenzie also provided constructive feedback on areas for improvement, such as defense and shooting, which Letlow appreciated.

Apart from her basketball achievements, Letlow is pursuing an honors bachelor of psychology with a goal of specializing in sports psychology. She aspires to play professionally in Europe post-graduation and represent the women’s national team. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Letlow’s experiences have shaped her into a resilient leader who emphasizes the importance of respecting every team member’s role and focusing on what they can control.

In summary, Kiyara Letlow’s basketball journey is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and a passion for the game. Her record-breaking achievements, coupled with her academic pursuits and career aspirations, showcase her determination to excel both on and off the court. Letlow’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and emphasizes the importance of resilience and teamwork in achieving success.