By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
Kaegan Young burst onto the Cascade Lady Champion basketball scene as a freshmen.
Since then, she’s been the heart and soul that’s made the program go—and her efforts didn’t go unnoticed, especially among the college ranks.
On Monday, Young signed her letter of intent to continue her basketball career at UT-Southern.
While signing her letter of intent was undoubtedly exciting, Young said she was excited to put pen to paper and make her college decision official so she can focus on her upcoming senior season at Cascade.
“I’m excited to get this year going, but I’m also excited knowing that the next four years are going to be doing what I love and getting an education that I’m very passionate about,” she said.
While there were other schools in the mix, Young said the focus and vision of UT-Southern’s athletes’ majors and ensuring they get their degree was paramount in her decision.
“UT-Southern definitely stood out. They prioritized nursing first and were the most consistent with the fact you can do a nursing degree and play basketball,” Young said.
While basketball has always been a love of hers, Young said the UT-Southern campus being close to home, as well as the ability to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse made the decision fairly easy.
“They definitely made it known that you’re here for an education and basketball is a plus,” she said.
Young has been a cornerstone of Cascade basketball for years, going back to hear earliest days at the Cascade Jr. Pro program.
Once she made it to the high school level, she established herself as a key component of the Lady Champion program under coach Janie Demonbreum.
Having become the leader on the floor as the starting point guard, Young honed her craft to become one of the best players in recent history for Cascade.
“Kaegan embodies everything you can imagine the Lady Champions want to be as far as our program goes. She comes in, she works hard and is a great leader, not only on the court, but also in the classroom and in the community,” Demonbreum said.
From her work on the court, to her dedication in the classroom and in the community, Young has cemented herself into the Cascade Lady Champion history with her impact on the program entering her senior season.
When it came time to making a decision, Young wanted to make it official before her senior season so she could put her entire focus on having a strong senior season with the Lady Champs.
“A big thing that I said from the get-go was I wanted to make a decision before the basketball season. The stress of it and the weight lifted off my shoulders— just getting that out of the way so I could focus on our season and just have fun,” she said.
Young’s signing with UT-Southern is the first for Demonbreum as head coach of the Cascade program and being the first signee, hopes the Lady Champion point guard can be a beacon for future Lady Champion basketball players.
“I couldn’t be more proud that she is my first signee [as head coach] but also I know, she’s setting the example for those to come behind her. For everyone part of our team and been part of her journey, they’ve seen what she’s gone through,” Demonbreum said.
“She has just blossomed in her three, going on four years here. She’s going to be phenomenal in college and she’s going to be a phenomenal nurse.”
Another factor in her decision came from wanting to stay close to home to keep in close contact with her family, including her younger sister Kaemy, who is battling leukemia.
“That was a big factor, especially with my sister Kaemy and all she has going on, it played a big role in my decision,” Young added.
While Young’s impact on the program can be measured on the court through her first three years played, the legacy she’s made within the program stretches beyond the dimensions of the hardwood.
“A big thing I’ve tried to push is being there for the middle schoolers coming up. They come to our games and they see us. We’re their inspiration. For them to look at me and be like, ‘Wow, I want to be like her,’ it means a lot. I also really try to be a Godly role model as well,” she said.
Post Photo by Diandra Womble
Cascade senior Kaegan Young signs her letter of intent to continue her basketball career at UT-Southern.