Atkins will head to Manchester for next stop
BOURBON — Triton’s Kinsey Atkins will continue her basketball and academic endeavors next year at Manchester University.
Atkins has had more than a college decision on her mind as along with her skills as a basketball player she was also a key member of the Triton volleyball team.
“She’s a great leader not just vocally but on the court,” said Triton head volleyball coach Derek Eveland. “You couldn’t ask for a better student athlete. She epitomizes everything that you are looking for. We will definitely miss her.”
It wasn’t an easy decision for Kinsey.
“It was a hard choice,” she said. “In basketball you are more physical and I enjoy that.”
It was a different path to both sports for Atkins.
“I started playing volleyball because my mom was the coach in elementary school,” she said with a laugh. “I started (basketball) as soon as I could dribble a ball. I would say that basketball is my favorite.”
Triton girls basketball coach Kennedy Krull is certainly glad Kinsey was a member of her team. “She’s our go to on the floor in the front court and the back court,” said Krull. “We want the ball in her hands when you are looking for a big shot. We are definitely going to have trouble replacing her.”
Triton’s loss will be Manchester University’s gain in the coming school year.
“I really like the community and their coach (Josh Dzurick) has been very welcoming along with the team. It’s close to home so if I need anything they are right there,” said Kinsey of her visit to Manchester. “Everything is right there it isn’t a big campus to get around.”
Atkins will be working for a degree in data science at Manchester. The field is one that studies large amounts of data to provide insights that have a practical use in business and science.
“I enjoy biology and science,” said Kinsey. “This way I don’t have to design an experiment and explain it.”
Manchester University is a Division III college that plays in the Heartland Athletic Conference.
Asked what she would like others to remember about her as she moves on she simply said, “You don’t have to be vocal to be a leader.”