DAILY JOURNAL SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
One dream is nearing its end, but basketball player Kyle Stidom already is looking forward.
Stidom, a star at Greenwood Christian Academy, is now in his senior year at Taylor University in Upland, 77 miles northeast of Indianapolis.
“It’s fun to look back sometimes, but I’ve learned to live in the moment,” the 21-year-old said.
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“I have dreams and aspirations for what’s next, but I’ll be ready for wherever God takes me,” he said after finishing play for the Trojans in a preseason exhibition game against Butler at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse.
“The game has given me so many opportunities, and so many people have helped me along the way.”
Stidom, a 6-foot-3 guard, spent his freshman year at Davenport University; but wanting to be a little closer to home, he transferred to Taylor.
While at Greenwood Christian, Stidom scored 2,059 points to become the all-time leading scorer for both boys and girls in Johnson County. Through two seasons at Taylor, he has 967 points and averages about 16 points per game.
“In high school, I was always the focal point. But in college you get a chance to share the ball and involve all of your teammates.”
Stidom said his Taylor experience has been unique.
“You have to put on the uniform for this school to completely understand it,” he said. “It’s legacy-filled filled with tradition. It’s bigger than myself.
“I thank God every morning I wake up and realize I’m living the dream of playing college basketball. It’s all about loving what you do and not taking any days off.”
When the season ends and Stidom works his way toward getting his degree in sports management in the spring, his options will be wide open.
“It’s a waiting game,” he said. “But I’m using every day to sharpen my skills and sharpen myself to be the person I want to be.”
Looking down the road a bit, Stidom was asked if he would want his kids to play basketball.
“Absolutely,” he said. “I want to be able to instill in them what’s been instilled in me by so many great people.”
Does that mean having a basketball goal in the back yard?
“Of course. And, If I can, I’ll have one in my house too.”
