Athlete of the Week: Kali Barrett

Kali Barrett is a junior on the Cardinal Mooney High girls basketball team. Barrett, who lives in the Lakewood Ranch area, is averaging 12.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game through the Cougars' first nine games (5-4) as of Dec. 14. 

When did you start playing basketball?

I started when I was 5. My older brothers (Austin, Dallas and Tyler Barrett) played sports and my family wanted to put me in every sport they could. Eventually I tried basketball and liked it. 

What is the appeal to you?

I just like the team. I'm happy that I have a sisterhood and am creating bonds with these people that will last a lifetime. 

What is your best skill?

I have a high basketball IQ. I'm able to talk my teammates through the offense and help them on defense, or make an assist on a fast break. I can just slow the game down. 

What have you been working to improve?

Dribbling low. I have a naturally high dribble and coaches have told be to dribble lower. Also: Consistency, consistency, consistency. 

What is your favorite memory?

The game against Charlotte High last year. I actually was not able to help out much. I fouled out. But I got to watch my teammates be their best, which was cool. (Mooney won 54-51 on the road.) 

What do you make of the team's start?

We're going to get better. We just need to build our chemistry. Some girls on the team are used to doing everything themselves on their previous teams. We have to understand that we're a real team. We can do anything together. I'm just trying to be a leader and my teammates pick things up as quickly as possible. Our goal is still to go back to states and I think we can. (Mooney has been to three-straight Final Fours in Class 3A.) 

What is your favorite food?

Shrimp tacos. Coach (Marlon Williams) makes the best ones. 

What is your favorite TV show?

I like "Suits" a lot. 

What is your favorite school subject?

Math. And I'm taking personal finance this year, which I like. 

Which superpower would you pick?

Teleportation, just so I could go anywhere I wanted. 

What are your hobbies?

I like to nap quite a bit. Or I'll go run some errands. I also like to get out of the house and just enjoy nature. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Do the work. Nobody else is going to do it for you, so just do it. 

Finish this sentence: "Kali Barrett is …"

A character.