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LANDRUM—The Landrum girls basketball team opened their season on November 23 at the Coach Varner Classic held at Woodruff High School, looking to build on last year’s success. The Cardinals aim to reclaim their titles as Upper State Champions and Region 1 2A Champions, hoping to return to the State Championship game for the second year in a row. 

This season marks a new chapter for the team as they welcome Kali Koenig as the new head coach, succeeding Coach Jared St. Charles, now the head coach of Chapman’s boy’s varsity team after an impressive four-year tenure at Landrum.

Coach Koenig brings her coaching expertise to the basketball court and joins O.P. Earle Elementary School as a fourth-grade teacher. Her background is stacked with experience that adds depth to her coaching role. A graduate of the University of Mobile in Alabama, Coach Koenig earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, where she made a significant impact as a team captain and offensive player on the women’s basketball team. She later earned a Master’s of Education in Elementary Education from the University of South Alabama.

Before joining Landrum, Coach Koenig demonstrated her coaching prowess at Covington High School in Louisiana, where she headed the varsity girls’ basketball team. Her teaching career flourished at Folsom Elementary School, focusing on fourth-grade math instruction. 

Her experience expands beyond national borders, as Coach Koenig has played basketball internationally in countries like Denmark, Malta, and Italy. This global perspective has further enriched her passion for the sport and commitment to developing young athletes.

“I am honored to join the Landrum community and Spartanburg One family. Teaching and coaching here is a dream come true, and I look forward to helping our students and athletes achieve their full potential,” said Coach Koenig. 

Alex Smith, the new Athletic Director for Landrum High School, echoed this sentiment.

“We are delighted to welcome Coach Koenig to our team,” he said. “Her impressive background and dedication to education and athletics make her an invaluable addition to our program.”

The Cardinals faced the Laurens Raiders in their first game, unfortunately suffering a setback with a 59-26 loss. However, on November 25, the team rallied to secure their first victory against the Greer Yellow Jackets, edging them out in a thrilling 50-48 double-overtime win and improving their record to 1-1.

On November 26, the Cardinals continued their momentum, triumphing over the Broome Centurions with a final score of 40-32, bringing their record to 2-1. 

As they look ahead, the Cardinals prepare for upcoming non-league contests, including a matchup against Spartanburg Day on December 2 and a home game against Blue Ridge on December 3. The Boys Varsity will play both days following the girls at 7:30 p.m.