NO PAIN, NO GAINES: Ike's Gaines is multi-talented on, off court

OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST FEW SEASONS, EISENHOWER SENIOR KEIORA GAINES HAS EMERGED AS A WELL-RESPECTED LEADER AMONG HER PEERS ON THE COURT.

Her journey to become a seasoned competitor began long before she joined Swoop Nation.

“What’s kept me in the game for so long was that my mom had played in high school, but didn’t get the opportunity to play in college because she had my sister,” Gaines said. “So, I’ve wanted to continue that passion for both us.”

Gaines’ motivation to compete is admirable, however, her time spent in basketball hasn’t been without its challenges.

“I’ve been on the varsity team since the second-half of my ninth grade year, and that season was pretty emotional for me,” said Gaines. “I was going through things with my father, but that year taught me how to be more independent and play my best no matter the situation. I just needed to focus and do my thing on the court.

“Since then, I got my new coach (Thomasina Gatson) and she’s probably one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. She has built me up, on and off the court. I don’t think I’d be here without all of those events happening throughout my time in high school.”

As Eisenhower’s star post player, Gaines is a difficult player to miss when she steps onto the basketball court. She had to earn that distinction.

“I’m a pretty big girl,” she said. “Because of that, people will assume that I’m not the best on the court. But once I step on and show what I’ve got to give, then they start coming for me. They see what I can do and they start respecting me.”

Given the presence she brings to the game, it might not come as a shock that there’s more than meets the eye for Keiora Gaines.

“Off the court, I go to Carver Magnet School,” Gaines said. “I’m in theater, so I like to perform. I do monologues and musicals, which are a lot of fun for me. I split my time between that and basketball, which isn’t always easy but I know I’m capable of doing it.

“Also, I’m a big Rubik’s Cube fan. I can solve all different kinds, whether it’s the 2-by-2, 3-by-3, 4-by-4, the mega-cube, the pyramid... all of them. Name me one, I can solve it.”

It would appear that Gaines is a performer in more ways than one. Be sure to check out her talent this season, whether it’s on the court or on the stage.