Saying that Tahlequah High School junior Kori Rainwater is a multi-sport athlete is an understatement.
“I started out playing softball when I was young but when I started playing AAU summer basketball, I dropped softball,” Rainwater said. “When I got to high school, I played volleyball my freshman and sophomore years and threw the discus in track in the spring and, of course, was still playing basketball. This fall I decided to try softball again but didn’t have a great experience, so I’ll probably go back to volleyball next year.”
But back to basketball.
Kori plays the post for the Lady Tigers where she averaged nine points and six rebounds a game last season. This year, she will probably play on the wing a little more and so she’s been working on her 3-point shot, which everyone is grateful for.
“It used to be that when I would shoot a three, people would just close their eyes and say, “oh no”. But I’ve really worked hard on that shot this year and now coach actually has put in plays to get me an open three shot which is kind of funny,” laughed Kori.
She thinks back to her freshman year as one that has been a highlight for her in basketball.
“That first year my initial goal was just to make the team. And then I ended up making varsity which was great,” Rainwater said. “Later in the year I got to start my first game which was even better and then we made it to the state championship game to top it off. I was so nervous for that game and had some many emotions and it was absolute thrill just to be a part of it.”
Though she’s just a junior, Rainwater has already gotten several D-II college offers including Northeastern State and Southwestern Oklahoma State in Oklahoma, as well as colleges in surrounding states. She is a team leader and captain this year who uses her freshman year experience as a guide.
“We have a lot of freshmen this year who aren’t used to the pace of the high school game or the number of plays they have to learn. So part of my job is to help them adjust and tell them how I approached my freshman year. I don’t believe in being real vocal but would rather take time after practice to explain a play if needed,” Rainwater said.
