“My earliest memory of playing basketball was going to the park and playing with my Dad and sister, Shelby,” said the Warren Area High School senior. “We’d always play horse or see who could make the coolest shot. I realized basketball was my passion after my freshman season. I remember feeling sad that it was over and just wanted to go back to practice and be with my team.”

When her high school career is over in a couple of months, Halle will continue playing at Penn State Altoona.

“It’s important to me to play in college because I know I don’t want my basketball journey to end yet,” she said. “I wanted to prove to myself that if I worked hard every season and off-season, I could play at the next level. I couldn’t have done this without my coaches and I’m so grateful for all the time they’ve put in with me, showing me new moves and how to improve. I’m very close with my family and my teammates, so I knew that finding the right college where I felt at home was super important.

“Basketball has become an escape for me,” said Halle. “When I’m struggling, I know it’s always there. I’ve learned what makes this game so special to me is that it demands me to do my best; not only on the court, but off it as well.”

Halle Kuzminski in her early years on the hardwood. Submitted Photo

Kuzminski grew up as a Lady Dragon for head coach Lisa LaVan.

“PS Altoona is getting a great one,” said LaVan. “I know many will think that and say that, but this is so true for Halle. She had a ton of options in her recruiting journey and it is because of incredible work ethic and her insanely high ceiling. She isn’t even close to her peak yet and that is incredible to me. The best is yet to come for her. Talk about a kid who started at the bottom and worked her way up and through. She fell in love with basketball and just got after it. I am so proud of her.”

See KUZMINSKI / Page B2

Added LaVan: “She lets me coach her hard, which is rare anymore with players and it’s truly helped to push her to this point. She is an amazing young lady and I am excited to watch her grow even more. I love my Halle.”

That work ethic was instilled from a young age.

“Halle has had a softball or basketball in her hand since she could walk,” said her mom, Kristy. “She had watched and played with her older sister, Shelby, whenever she got the chance. I think back to those days and know that she figured if her sister that was four years older can do it, why couldn’t she? In the days of the YMCA league, she was on the court with Shelby when they were short girls and giving them a run for their money. I know I was nervous many times thinking of her out there with kids towering over her and so much older. I think that powered her more. She has always been competitive. Always.

“We are a very close family that understands and we have tried to instill that if you want something, you work hard for it,” said Kristy. “If someone is better, then get out there and work harder. I think she looks at her teammates the same. She loves her team and doesn’t want to let them down. She is determined to be the best. She comes home from practices and practices more. She puts everything she has into it. She knows what she is worth and has set high goals for herself. She has always been a leader. On the softball field through travel ball, to captain for the last two years on the basketball court. … She has worked her butt off for this and I am so happy to see the wonderful young adult following her dreams.”

Through three-plus seasons, Kuzminski has scored 377 points and pulled down 400 rebounds for Warren’s girls basketball team. She’s a team captain, has been a first-team region all-star, and has been a part of two District 10 championship teams.

“My biggest goals have been being part of the D10 championship game,” said Halle. “We’ve been in that and won twice since I have been here. My junior year, we won the region. My goals for this year are to win the region, D10, and finally get a state playoff win. I also want to be on the all-region team.”

Those are all the tangibles.

“I would describe myself as a player who has a lot of heart,” she said. “I play for my coaches, teammates, and my family. I play unselfish and want all my teammates to succeed. My Dad has always said, ‘always play with hustle and heart,’ and that’s something that’s always stuck with me. I’m most excited to take that heart and motivation with me because I have personal goals for next year and I want to bring my best self to my next team.

“I took a trip to Altoona with my parents and brother (Kahle) last summer; Altoona has always been a place close to my families’ heart, and as soon as I was there, I fell in love with it,” said Halle. “I chose Penn State Altoona because it felt like home. The coaches and players made me feel like I was one of them. Everyone is so welcoming and the campus is beautiful. I’ve always loved Penn State, so knowing I get that PSU degree and get to play basketball is so special.”

Halle doesn’t need any extra motivation to get her heart pumping.

“I’m most inspired by my parents,” she said. “They are the most hardworking people I’ve ever met. My Mom has spent countless weekends taking me to both softball and basketball tournaments as well as practices. She has always supported me in everything that I’ve done. I look up to her and strive to be like her. My Dad has taught me to do everything in life with heart. He has spent so much time helping me in both basketball and softball. He’s the hardest worker I know, so I strive to work hard like my Dad does.”

Of course, her father — Jay Kuzminski — is more proud of who she is than what she’s done.

“I was asked what I was most proud of Halle,” said Jay. “The easy thing would be to say all the athletic accomplishments. Her walls and desk of her bedroom prove what a great athlete she is. How hard she has worked and trained to meet her team’s and personal goals. But what I’m most proud of Halle? It’s simple. The woman she has become. Her toughness, drive, work ethic, and she has the biggest heart.”

That heart will soon be on display in Altoona.

“I’m excited for the rest of the year,” she said. “My team and coaches are amazing and I’m so thankful I’ve gotten to spend four years with them. I have high hopes for the rest of the season.”