FAIRBURY - The opportunity to play basketball competitively while focusing on her education led Fairbury graduate Carly Horky to sign a National Letter-of-Intent with Midland Lutheran College.
“They have a really good nursing program that I'm going into,” Horky said. “I've watched them play and I think it will be a good fit.”
Horky said she also considered Wayne State College and Nebraska Wesleyan University, but said Midland Lutheran “feels like home.”
The coaching staff is very, very nice,” Horky said. “I remember going to camps at Midland when I was younger, like fifth or sixth grade.”
While Horky said the camps made her a little more familiar with the school, she added the direction the school's program was going was a bigger factor in her decision to attend Midland Lutheran.
“They're building a new gymnasium, so that will be really nice,” Horky said.
Horky said there will be 17 incoming freshmen joining the team next season, so she's not exactly sure where she'll fit in right away.
“I just hope to get some playing time, push the other girls and have a great season.”
Horky said she figure she'll find her way inside as a post player for the Lady Warriors. When she'll be playing is a little bit more clouded issue, as she just had her knee scoped a couple weeks ago.
“Right now, I've been riding the bike and lifting weights, doing what I can to get ready,” Horky said. While rehabilitation will slow her for awhile, she expects to be healthy by the beginning of the season.
Horky said her coaches have never doubted her ability, even though she's been hampered by a pair of knee surgeries in past seasons.
“Coach (Lisa) Schroeder came and watched me play at our state game,” Horky said. “She also saw our district championship.
“She knows what I'm capable of and what style of basketball I play.”
Eventually, Horky said she hopes to start for the Lady Warriors.
“Basically, my goals are for the team to have a winning record and some good seasons,” Horky said. “And I'd like to contribute to that success.”
Horky said her past injuries were part of the reason why she selected to pursue a nursing major.
“I have a little more knowledge into that because of the knee surgeries,” Horky said. “I like helping people, taking care of people.
“It's something I'd like to try.”
When recounting her high school experiences, Horky said the biggest highlight of her career came in last season's district championship, when Fairbury was able to topple Beatrice.
“That's one of the good ones,” Horky said of her memories. “We knew those girls, since we've been playing them for years.
“We've always been very competitive and close in our games, so it was really cool to beat Beatrice and win districts.”
Horky added that earning state tournament berths in both volleyball and basketball and playing in the Bob Devaney Sports Center also topped her list.
The biggest lesson competition has taught Horky is the importance of patience.
“I think that with being hurt, patience was the most important thing I've learned,” Horky said. “It was really hard watching my friends play, but it taught me patience and to work hard.
“I don't take anything for granted.”
Horky said her injuries have also made her appreciate her time on the court more.
“I just say, ‘Have fun and enjoy it, because wow, it goes by fast,'” Horky said. “I'm just really excited to go play.”
And Midland Lutheran is just the place for her to go, Horky said.
“I feel right at home,” Horky said. “They're going to make me into a better player.
“I have the chance to become as good as I want to be.”