For Kelbey Parnacher, basketball isn’t just a game—it’s a family tradition, a passion, and a driving force in her life. “In second grade, I finally realized I wanted to play basketball. My family is all about sports. My mom and dad both played so it runs in the blood. My brother and sister both played sports, and my dad and brother were both state champions in basketball.” This legacy sparked Kelbey’s desire to follow in their footsteps.
Her family continues to be a major influence on her journey. “Growing up around sports my whole life made me fall in love with the sport. My brother and sister I think are my biggest influence because my brother was a state champion in basketball and my sister was a two-sport all-stater so that had given me some inspiration to be like them.”
As a leader on the court, Kelbey is driven by a clear purpose: “My goal on the team is to be the leader and keep focused, motivated, push the other players, and lead by example.” Her commitment to leadership and team chemistry has been pivotal, especially since, as she points out, “three of us are cousins on the team so that’s always a good chemistry when you get to play with cousins.”
Her hope for the 2024 season is clear: “My goals and hopes are for the 2024 season is to stay healthy and make it to state.” This ambition is matched by her dedication in practice, which includes “running trying to get in shape, working on my weaknesses and ball handling drills just mostly trying to improve my skills.”
Kelbey has faced her share of challenges, including a broken wrist and a pinky injury that required surgery. “That required reconstructive surgery… and having to sit out the rest of the season played a toll on my mental health. With God by my side to lead and guide my family, friends and I, and lots of prayers, I overcame that. I feel like I have become stronger.”
Kelbey’s plans for the future are equally ambitious. “I plan to play college ball and pursue a veterinarian degree in college.”
