Republic senior Alex Botkin has committed to play college basketball at Southwest Baptist University. Botkin signed her papers at Republic High School Thursday, surrounded by dozens of family members and friends.
Athletic Director Greg Garton says Botkin has been a part of a lot of victories at Republic.
“When I think of Alex, I think of winning,” Garton says. “She’s played in three district volleyball championships. She’s played in three district basketball championships and had a big part in our state championship last year. She’s done a great job for us, and I know she’ll do a great job for SBU.”
Botkin is the second member of Republic’s basketball senior class to sign with a college team. Alice Heinzler signed with College of the Ozarks last week.
“She’s been an integral part of a unique group of seniors. That’s a reflection not just on Alex, but on them as a group,” says head coach Kris Flood. “For me, just to get to be a part of that in their lives, it’s very unique as a coach. They all have a great future, and today we’re recognizing one.”
Botkin says that her fellow seniors — Heinzler, Sarah Kreul, Kayla Bartelsmeyer, and Lindsey Carlson — have been a big part of her success.
“We’ve been together I think since third grade. We were from separate schools and started playing together, then Alice and Lindsey moved to Republic, and we just really click,” Botkin says. “Last year, winning state was our biggest dream. I just love them so much. They mean a lot to me. They basically are my sisters, on and off the court.”
For Botkin, SBU was a good fit both athletically and academically.
“They have a really good basketball program. I love it there. I’ve been playing with the girls a little bit during the summer whenever I got the chance,” she says.
“They had what I wanted academically, undergrad and graduate degrees. I want to do athletic training as my undergrad, then get my PhD in physical therapy. They have both, so it was a win-win.”
Botkin will join former Lady Tiger Alexis Edwards in Bolivar.
“It’s a bonus,” Botkin says. “We’re still really good friends. I’m really excited that I get to play with her for another four years.”