Claire Suchma is not just an excellent student at KCKCC. She also thrives on the basketball court for the women’s basketball team. Her journey from high school to KCKCC is a testament to her resilience, dedication and unwavering spirit, and her academic pursuits reflect her diverse interests and ambitions. Majoring in liberal arts, she harbors aspirations of delving into the realms of research, particularly in the fields of biology or medicine. Her thirst
for knowledge and discovery serves as a guiding force, propelling her towards a future filled with possibilities.
“I loved the dorms when I first visited, and it’s even better living here,” she said when asked why she chose KCKCC. “I enjoy every minute being surrounded by my teammates and other athletes. The community is great, and there’s always support coming from both my friends and coaches.”
Recruited by Martina Mihailovic, the head women's basketball coach at KCKCC, Claire's journey into collegiate sports was paved through her experiences in AAU games since she was in the fourth grade. Playing alongside different teammates with varying play styles taught her invaluable lessons in adaptability. Choosing KCKCC was a decision driven not only by the allure of the college's stellar dormitories but also by the close-knit community and supportive coaching staff.
“Although our ‘home’ games this past season weren’t on campus, my friends would still find a way to come to as many games as they could,” said the Blue Valley Northwest graduate. “I plan on going to as many of their games as I can in the future. I’ve gained a great group of friends.”
The bond shared among Claire and her teammates extends beyond the court, transcending the confines of athletic competition. Living together in Centennial Hall, they share not only living spaces but also moments of laughter, camaraderie and mutual support. From meals to movie nights and late-night study sessions, their bond strengthens with each passing day, laying the foundation for success both on and off the court.
“The chemistry we share off the court is second to none, and we can see it translate to the court,” she said. “We have many inside jokes and always mess with each other in a loving manner.”
Yet, Claire's journey has not been without its challenges. A devastating injury during a game against Labette Community College left her sidelined with a torn ACL and meniscus. However, armed with resilience and determination, Claire continues to tackle her recovery head-on, undergoing rigorous rehab both before and after surgery.
“I’ve been doing high intensity stuff early on and do rehab for an hour and a half each day, which will continue to the summer as well,” she said.
Looking towards the future, Claire is filled with optimism and excitement. With a new cohort of recruits set to join the team, alongside the return of five talented freshmen, she eagerly anticipates the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. For Claire Suchma, the journey is far from over and she looks forward to being back on the court with her teammates this upcoming fall.
