With recovery from injury nearly complete, Upper St. Clair’s Rylee Kalocay commits to Kent State

By: Don Rebel
Thursday, September 12, 2024 | 3:07 PM

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In a flash, Rylee Kalocay saw her junior basketball season come to an end Jan. 2 when she tore the ACL and meniscus in her left knee in a game against Peters Township.

With rehab nearly complete and great optimism for her senior season at Upper St. Clair, Kalocay has decided to continue her career next year as a Golden Flash.

Kalocay made her decision to attend Kent State earlier this week.

“I picked Kent State because they were just one big family up there,” Kalocay said. “The coaching staff is incredible, and they value their players. The girls are so supportive of each other.

“My family and I spent a lot of time weighing the pros and cons of each school. It was not an easy decision, but Kent State became the clear front runner.”

Her high school coach feels Kalocay made the right decision for all the right reasons.

“Kent State is the perfect choice for her because it’s the school she felt most comfortable with,” Upper St. Clair coach Pete Serio said. “I believe Rylee will have an immediate impact. She will thrive there and make them a contender. They have been successful in the past and, with her, they will rise to a higher level.”

Kalocay burst onto the scene as a freshman, helping USC win 20 games and reach the WPIAL Class 6A final.

The Panthers reached the title game again when Kalocay was a sophomore, as she averaged over 20 points per game.

There were high hopes for Upper St. Clair last winter, but the injury crushed any chance of another championship game appearance.

Even though she missed most of the season, Kalocay was still named first-team all-section in Section 2-6A.

“Rylee is by far the fiercest competitor I have ever coached,” Serio said. “The tougher the situation, the harder and better she plays. She is never afraid or intimidated by the moment. I love when teams come after her because I know they just poked the bear.

“When you combine her skill set and talent with that attitude, you get a big time player.”

Kalocay is wrapping up her lengthy rehab, which is set to conclude Oct. 1.

“Rehab has been great,” she said. “I’m very condiment in it. I’ve done everything I need to do to prepare myself. I’m actually stronger than I was before.

“I’m super excited to play again. Being a spectator was hard, but it taught me a lot of things that is hard to learn while actually playing. I can’t wait to play again, especially with me having only one more year (at USC).”

Kalocay is not alone in being excited for the start of the new season.

“I am so excited to have Rylee back at 100% healthy and return to help us with some unfinished business,” Serio said. “She’s the toughest player in Western Pennsylvania and we are looking forward to having her back in a USC uniform. We are all better when she is on the court.”

Tags: Upper St. Clair