Collier displaying different roles, leadership qualities with Horns

By Lethbridge Herald on February 3, 2025.

Herald photo by JUSTIN SEWARD Kyra Collier has shown she can embrace different roles and display leadership qualities in her time at U of L.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Local University of Lethbridge Pronghorn women’s basketball player ,Kyra Collier, has grown into becoming an impactful player either with her developing roles or leadership qualities as her time has gone on with the team.

“My role has developed throughout the years and I think throughout  each year I’ve really dove into what my role is for that specific team,” said the fourth-year Horn.

Energy was a role for her in her earlier years.

“Every time I got on the floor, even it was just for two minutes, I’m bringing the energy, I’m trying to bring it into my teammates and give it to them,” said Collier.

“If I’m on the bench, I’m standing for threes, I’m cheering my teammates on because it is a team sport, so you can’t just be focused on yourself.”

She still brings the energy but added the effort component to her game in her later years with the Horns.

“I like to lead by example,” said Collier.

“So my goal is if I’m giving my all every single play, I hope that my teammates are able to follow me.”

Collier has taken the approach of putting less pressure on herself to be successful.

“Knowing that I don’t need to put the entire weight of the team on my back, I just need to give  … all the effort I can in that moment and whatever happens, happens,” said Collier.

 “That (has) actually given me more confidence in my ability to perform by just letting myself almost relax.”

Collier feels she is having her best Canada West season yet.

“Personally, I feel this is my best year performance wise and stat wise,” said Collier.

“Just being able to hold myself with confidence has been probably the best thing this year in comparison to all the stats.”

Collier was asked about what it meant to be a local Horn.

“I think it shows a good influence for younger kids,” said Collier.

“I try to be an inspiration for those kids and show them that you don’t need to move away be successful.”

“She’s become kind of a Swiss Army knife for us,” said Dave Waknuk, Horn women’s basketball head coach.

“She does everything for us. She guards all five positions; at times she’ll play sort of all five positions. Her versality is her difference maker.”

Waknuk thinks a player like Collier is great to coach.

“She’s very focused when it comes to hard work,” he said.

“She’s not worried about working hard  and she’s very dedicated and I think Kyra’s just gotta great personality and energy too.”