A childhood dream came to reality for Kristin Giles when she eclipsed 1,000 career scoring points.
“Words can’t express how I felt when I got the news that I’d broke 1,000,” said Giles. “I was so excited I started jumping up and down.”
The Union County point guard made it happen after posting 10 points in a 44-41 loss to Chester on Friday night.
Giles received her first basketball as a gift at the tender age of three and quickly developed a love for the game.
“For my birthday I asked for a basketball goal, that’s all I’ve had in my head since I was three years old, playing basketball,” she said. “I still have a picture of me in the back shooting on that little basketball goal. The passion and just the love I have for the game has been there for a long time and it’s gonna stay there too.”
From the beginning of the season Union County Head Coach Angela Burke expected big things and the five-year starter is delivering.
“Obviously we have some plays that are designed to get Kristin the ball,” Burke noted. “But she also gets a lot of fast break lay-ups and unplanned shots. She has the ability to just making something happen.”
Giles averages 17 points per game with seven assists, three steals and three rebounds. Her presence on the court is invaluable not only due to her numbers but her willingness to lead by example.
“She’s dependable, committed and displays strong leadership skills,” said Burke. “This young lady is always on time and doesn’t need supervision to ensure a job is done correctly. She has the betterment of the team in mind and takes positive and constructive steps to ensure our success.”
Giles can often be found upstairs on the YMCA court, shooting around the perimeter or working on her dribbling.
“I keep a basketball in my hands, anything to get better,” she said. “I’ve been improving my court IQ, knowing when to shoot and when to pass the ball. I still have work to do and we still have games to play so I’m just going to keep doing it.”
Giles is not only an exceptional athlete, she is also an exceptional student. She maintains a 4.1 grade point average and is in the top 14 percent of her class at UCHS.
Giles plans to continue her basketball career at the next level upon graduation although she is undecided on which university she will be attending.
“I want to play college ball,” she declared. “Wherever it’s possible. I just want to play. I’m trying to stay in state, so maybe Clemson or South Carolina.”
She’s keeping her options open and her head in the game.
“Who knows,” Giles said with a grin. “Maybe you’ll see me in the WNBA.”
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