Kaelyn Kawaguchi was not the top scorer on the girls basketball team, neither this year nor last year. And that makes her proud. Instead, Kawaguchi led the team in assists with her instinctual court vision that scored opportunities for her teammates. As a 4’11” point guard, Kawaguchi was the key to breaking the 11-year-old CIF dry spell for the Fullerton girls varsity basketball team.
Her short stature gave her the advantage of fooling opponents into underestimating the abilities she holds, which led her to utilize her playmaking skills on the court.
“[Players] usually would not want to guard me because, I’m like, a lot quicker on my feet compared to them, especially because I’m shorter,” Kawaguchi said. “So I’m able to read the court well and pass the ball to open teammates.”
Trailing behind throughout the entirety of the game, Fullerton’s third place spot hung by a thread during their last league game against Kennedy High School which had the bleachers at the edge of their seats. It determined whether or not Fullerton would end up placing top three in the Golden West League Empire, along with their shot at CIF. When both teams tied in the final five minutes, Kawaguchi recognized that her team needed to think and execute fast. Motivated by the loud environment and the courage to make her team proud, Fullerton’s last possession allowed for Kawaguchi to aim the ball to her teammate sophomore Addison Seo. Which resulted in a foul and two free throw opportunities. Gaining a sign of relief, Seo banked both shots that ensured the team’s lead and ultimately their victory.
If it weren’t for Kawaguchi’s unselfish ball movement, Fullerton might not have completed its CIF comeback.
In addition to her impressive skills, she also contributes to the team’s chemistry. Kawaguchi’s teammates express their appreciation for her collaborative skills. Notably, senior Karly Kakimoto shares her gratitude for their bond.
“I barely got to know her last year and we got closer during practice since coach would partner us together a lot,” Kakimoto said.
By acknowledging Kawaguchi’s talent, the team revered their accomplishments. Prior to the winter season, Kawaguchi began to consider the worth of playing on the team as a student-athlete in her senior year. Though when she did decide to give it her all for the final stretch, her teammates appreciated how much she influenced the team.
“Being able to play with her gave us more confidence, especially during CIF Playoffs,” Seo shared.
Although not flashy, Kawaguchi’s leadership helped the girls team reach its first CIF berth in over a decade. The Indians defeated Fillmore 39-20 in the first round, and lost by only 5 points (32-27) in the second round against Hillcrest.
Although Kawaguchi won’t be on the court next season, her immense impact will be felt through the Fullerton girls basketball program through every pass. Kawaguchi plans to continue her education at UC San Diego starting in the fall, majoring in human biology. She aspires to get a PhD in dermatology before spending her 30s traveling around Europe with her family.
