Senior Spotlight: Allison Kirby
 
Allison Kirby is a native of Athol, Idaho and joined the University of Idaho women's basketball team as a freshman in the 2017-18 season after graduating from Timberlake High school. Kirby has played in 97 games, including 44 starts, for the Vandals over her four-year career. She has scored 294 points and totaled 331 rebounds during her time at Idaho. In addition, Kirby is 99-108 from the free-throw line for 91.7 percent as a Vandal. She is on pace to become the all-time leader in career free-throw percentage in Idaho women's basketball history.

Kirby started playing basketball largely in part to the influence of her older siblings.  "They participated in park and rec sports and I loved sports when I was younger. I played soccer, basketball and I ran," said Kirby. "I kind of just fell in love with the competitiveness and just being able to go out and compete."

Kirby was a three-sport athlete at Timberlake High school, competing in basketball, soccer, and pole vault. After high school the multi-sport athlete found a home away from home in the Idaho women's basketball program.

"I came to Idaho because it was a home away from home for me," said Kirby. "I really liked the coaching staff. I felt like it was a family and I knew what I was coming into. The style of play was pretty similar to how I played in high school and I really liked that."

While at Idaho Kirby battled injuries throughout her career but has been admired by her teammates for her ability to push through the adversity.

"It's really developed my mental toughness a lot," said Kirby. "I've just been able to say 'well, this is what it is' and not look back but look forward. It's really taught me a lot. Some people don't have to deal with a lot of injuries, but I am very thankful for them because they built me into the person I am today and built me into a tougher player. I think it will help me later in life."

Kirby has been part of 77 wins while at Idaho which included a Big Sky Regular Season Championship, and two WNIT appearances.

There isn't one specific memory that sticks out to Kirby during her time at Idaho, but the friendships she has made will be something she remembers forever.

"Each year I always really like to reflect on the seasons and how the people I've been around have impacted me and how I've impacted them," she added.

 The 2020-21season has been a memorable one, for many reasons - mainly to all the changes and protocols resulting of COVID-19 - but Kirby will cherish the time spent with her teammates as they all go through this together.

Kirby will graduate from the University of Idaho with a degree in Exercise Science and Health – Physical Education.

Head Coach Jon Newlee on Allison Kirby:

"Ali has really experienced all the highs and lows imaginable as a Division 1 basketball player. Coming out of a small Idaho high school, she was our starting point guard as a freshman playing with two future hall of fame players and she had a remarkable year. Ali has put in more time in the gym working on her game than just about anyone I have ever coached. Her work ethic is amazing! She was a key contributor on a championship team doing all the little things that don't turn up on a stat sheet, like taking charges, diving for every loose ball, blocking out players twice her size, and playing tough hardnosed defense for four years. She has no problem sacrificing her body for the Vandals to be successful. Ali has overcome so many injuries during her career, she is an inspiration to us all! Her growth as a leader both on and off the floor has been great to see, and she is willing to do whatever it takes for our team to be the best it can be, I know after she graduates she will be an excellent teacher and coach, some school is going to be very  thankful they hired her!"
 
Kirby and the Vandals will celebrate senior day on Friday, Mar. 5, in their final regular season game of the season against Montana at 6 p.m. in Memorial Gym.