On Tuesday, March 22, Marietta Lady Indian basketball standout Kodi Durst, daughter of Terry and Kim Durst, signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the Mid-America Christian University Evangels beginning in the fall semester.
Mid-America Christian is a private liberal arts college in Oklahoma City with an on-campus student population of about 1,600 students, and Durst says it’s perfect for her for several reasons.
“It’s the perfect distance from home for me,” she said. “I wanted to be able to stay close to my family and come home as often as possible but be far enough away for a little independence. Also, the campus is small enough that it felt like home.”
Another reason that Durst liked Mid-America Christian is the team environment.
“The atmosphere is great,” she said. “All the players and coaches were very kind and welcoming.”
Durst joins the team after the most winning season in program history, 28-5, and a trip to the NAIA national tournament. It’s a time that seems promising for Head Coach Hannah Moeller and the Lady Evangels, and one that should give Durst, a small forward/shooting guard, an opportunity to make a real contribution.
But the most important reason that Durst signed with Mid-America is that it’s a Christian school.
“Going to school at Mid-America Christian will allow me to prioritize my faith and further my relationship with God,” she said, “and that’s something that’s very important to me.”
Durst took a minute to express her thanks to the Lady Indian’s head coach Tory Douglass for his support.
“Coach pushed me to put myself out there and start talking to colleges,” remarked Durst. “This signing wouldn’t be happening if he hadn’t done that.”
She’s also grateful to her teammates, who she says made her a better player.
But like any kid who knows where her bread’s buttered, she saved the best for last.
“I can’t say enough about how much my family has done for me,” Durst said. “My sister Jaleigh has been such a role model for me with her success, and without the guidance and encouragement of my parents, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”