Tigers’ Charles heading to Pitt-Greensburg

By JEREMY SELLEW

jsellew@yourmvi.com

McKeesport’s Kaylee Charles was looking for the perfect fit when it comes to playing basketball in college, and now the Tigers’ forward is ready to take the next step.

Charles announced last week that she’ll continue her basketball and academic career at the University of Pittsburgh’s Greensburg campus.

“I chose to commit there mainly because of the atmosphere,” Charles said of the decision. “I loved how friendly the team and the coaches were. For me, it was all about finding a team I can mesh with and UPG just felt familiar to me.”

Charles was just one of the talented senior class this past season with the Tigers. She was able to overcome an injury and return during the playoffs.

McKeesport advanced to the WPIAL semifinals and the PIAA semifinals.

“High school has taught me to balance a hefty school schedule while also practicing five or six days a week, all while working a part-time job,” she said. “It’s all about working hard and time management. I want to give 100% to both basketball and school.”

Charles, who will be majoring in nursing, will be united with a familiar face with the Bobcats.

“My favorite part of my visit was being reunited with Malina Boord. She’s a freshman at UPG and I’m really looking forward to playing together again,” Charles said. 

UPG went 12-14 overall this season with a 10-8 record in the AMCC under head coach Darien Lantz.

“When talking to the staff, they emphasized the need for a girl my size. Their team really lacked some height, so they think I would be a true asset on the glass,” she said.

Charles admitted that she didn’t really consider basketball continuing in college. She was more interested in a fit for her academic needs.

“UPG just reminded me of home, then I saw it could be a place where I could see myself playing for the next four years,” Charles added. “If you askj anyone that knows me, they’d tell you how many times I said I wasn’t playing at the next level. But was something persuasive about the atmosphere at UPG and the sisterhood with the team that won me over.”

The sisterhood is something important for Charles. One of her goals is to get a good bond formed with her teammates.

“I want to get closer to my teammates and still improve my skill,” she said. “I want to familiarize myself with college life and start preparing for my future.

“Long term with basketball, this is the final step. I plan on graduating nursing school and becoming a pediatric nurse.”

Charles said one of her strengths has always been leadership. She’ll look to carry that into her time with the Bobcats.

“I pride myself in my leadership abilities on and off the court. I’m the vocal one on the team. That was really key in some big games where it was hard to hear coaching from the sidelines,” Charles said. “When it comes directly on the court, one of my strong suits is finding my open teammates, especially off of a post entry. I’m looking forward to improving my speed off the dribble and my outside game.”

Charles, the son of Mary and Kenny Charles of McKeesport, said her parents are a big reason why she’s been successful throughout high school.

“I want to thank my parents, especially my dad, for pushing me to be better every day,” she said. “I want to thank all of my high school and AAU coaches for the time they put in to make me better and everything I know about basketball.

“Finally, I have to thank all of my teammates for helping me keep my head on straight through all the trials and tribulations we’be been through together.”