The Hive Sports

by James Tate

West Field senior forward Kylee Mueller has been the heartbeat of a Longhorns program still carving out its identity in just its second year of existence. She was a foundational piece during the Longhorns’ inaugural season as a junior, and this year she’s taken that responsibility and elevated it, leading West Field in scoring at 11.7 points per game and helping the Longhorns surpass last year’s win total with 11 victories.

Mueller is a matchup problem because she plays with a blend of power and finesse that few defenders can keep up with. She does most of her damage inside, using strong drives, physical finishes, and relentless offensive rebounding to create high‑percentage opportunities. But she’s far from one‑dimensional. Give her space on the perimeter, and she’ll make you pay. Her touch from three keeps defenses honest and opens the floor for her teammates.

Her versatility extends beyond scoring. Mueller is one of the Longhorns’ best ball handlers, capable of pushing the pace herself and punishing teams in transition with her speed. When West Field wants to run, she’s the one who ignites it. When they need composure, she’s the one who settles them. And when they need a play, a steal, a rebound, a clutch free throw, Mueller is the player who steps into the moment without hesitation.

Leadership and work ethic

“My role has evolved from being a reliable, powerful post to a teammate people can rely on as a leader,” Mueller said. “Over time, I wanted my teammates to trust me not only on the court but as a person too. As a leader, I help and challenge the younger girls during practice with their post moves or rebounding skills. As well as making sure everyone feels included and belongs on the team. As I help them during practice, I stay positive and help them not dwell on their mistakes. Working to be a teammate they can look up to and always talk to. Leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge.”

Her leadership has been essential for a young program still building its culture. Teammates follow her energy. Coaches trust her instincts. Opponents feel her presence. Mueller competes with a confidence that elevates everyone around her, and her growth over the past two seasons has helped establish the Longhorns as a rising force in Region 5.

Her playing style blends power and finesse, driven by dedicated training.

“Working on my footwork at Tip Top Athlete builds my playing style to be more agile, allowing me to separate myself from my defender,” Mueller said. “Strength training has also been very beneficial; by 8th grade, I was able to back squat 275 lbs. by working out every other day throughout the year. Building coordination and strength helps immensely, as does practicing every day in my neighbor’s backyard. Searching YouTube for dribbling, shooting, and defensive drills helps me work on my skill set, too. There is never a day when I am not practicing to improve myself. It is not about how long I work but about how consistent I am. Individual workouts are very beneficial, but not as helpful as playing against boys. Going against the opposite gender helps with being faster, more coordinated, and builds confidence.”

Overcoming challenges and mental strength

A defining moment this season came during the Grantsville game, where she overcame the fear of shooting and missing.

“A moment this season that I really stepped up was during the Grantsville game,” Mueller said. “This game was about overcoming the fear of shooting and missing. Achieving this means shooting whenever I become open, and if there is no opportunity for me to shoot, I can set up my teammates to be open for their own shots. Games are 30% skill and 70% mental; everyone has to stay mentally in the game and not lose sight of the end goal. Staying positive even when I do not feel like it is worth it in the end because this is what builds leadership qualities. Playing for my team and not myself is the very thing my coaches and teammates require from me.”

Beyond stats, Mueller’s impact is felt in her mentorship of younger posts, teaching them new moves and sharing the fundamentals and mentality she’s developed over her seasons.

“My impact on the court is with my teammates and their own development,” Mueller said. “Primarily with the younger posts, I teach them new moves to try in practice and games. My earlier seasons taught me a lot about the fundamentals of post work and the mentality behind it; sharing this information with the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will help them improve their skill sets. Off the court, I am always making someone laugh and making sure everyone feels like they belong and has a friend.”

Lessons for future Longhorns

Mueller hopes to pass on the lesson that basketball seasons go by fast, encouraging future Longhorns to “play like every game is their last” and to embrace the grind.

“A lesson I will pass on to future Longhorn players is that this time runs fast, so soak up every minute of it,” Mueller said. “I never truly realize how fast the four seasons of basketball go by, even if it feels like forever, it really is not. Future Longhorn players have to play like every game is their last and to embrace the grind. Every day will challenge you, but it is only to help you become a better version of yourself. As you improve little by little each day, you have accomplished everything that you have set out to do. Do not be scared of success.”

Goals and plans for the future

“My goal for this final season is to play every game like it is my last,” Mueller said. “I want to walk off the court after practice and games knowing that I gave it my all. The goal for my team is to win every game and to go into the state with the mindset of champions, while making everlasting memories with one another.”

After high school, Kylee plans to attend Utah Valley University to pursue a career in civil engineering. She also intends to continue weightlifting and explore youth basketball coaching opportunities. Mueller’s drive to build, mentor, and keep pushing her own limits hints at a future every bit as impressive as her high school career.

photos courtesy of James Tate