by By Dan Ninham
Kaylee Lane Borden is a 5’ 7” basketball player and track athlete at Anadarko HS, Oklahoma. She is Comanche and Kiowa. The basketball team record is 16-1.
“My Kohn (Grandfather in the Kiowa language) is a very talented Native American artist (Barthell LittleChief) and his art portrays very amazing stories of our tribe,” said Kaylee. “He has also told me numerous stories of our family and our ancestors throughout my life. I believe his artwork and his intriguing stories demonstrate how strong our people are. I believe that’s why so many Native Americans love to compete athletically. It has really influenced my style of play and the way I love to compete.”
“My brother, BraeDon Skylar, has influenced me the most as a complete student-athlete,” said Kaylee. “He was not always the biggest or fastest athlete but he was willing to compete and give 100 percent effort every time. He also understood how important his education was to his future. He worked extremely hard in the classroom and received several prestigious scholarships. He attends his dream college, the University of Colorado. His overall work ethic is something I strive towards as well.”
Jeff Zinn, head girls’ basketball coach at Anadarko HS said: “Kaylee is one of best athletes and girls I’ve ever coached and has developed into a excellent basketball player leading our team in points and 3pt fg percentage. She will only get better with her outstanding work ethic and drive to succeed.”
“I am a 4.0 student athlete who is a member of the National Honor Society, Native American National Honor Society, as well as STUCO, HOBY, and HOPE Squad but my most rewarding extra-curriculum activity is when I became an elementary mentor,” said Kaylee. “I meet with a selected student every Wednesday during our lunch break and I love the conversations and connections we have established.”
“As an athlete I was an Oklahoma 4A Long Jump State Champion as a freshman,” said Kaylee. “Our track relay team has set a couple of Anadarko school records but the most exciting accomplishment was winning a 2019 Oklahoma State Championship with my basketball teammates.”
“When I give advice to either another student-athlete, one of my mentees, or even a friend is never give up on yourself,” said Kaylee. “The easiest thing to do in life is quit or even slow down when things become difficult. Those difficult times are when one should push back harder. There have been several times I have become frustrated with the way I played or how demanding my classes can be but if I quit I will never live my true destiny. Obstacles are a big part of life, so learn to battle each one to become who you really are.”
Photo Credit: Talan Tyler
I love to watch Kaylee/Ke Ke play ball, she reminds me of Jordan, as she takes to the Air in her shooting. I started calling her Air Ke Ke and her Momma Leslie said Air Jordan. There you have Air Jordan it is.
Air Borden that is