BASKETBALL: Following dream, Tuttle's Rehl signs with OBU
Nov. 15—EDITOR'S NOTE — This story will appear in next week's print edition.
Basketball runs in Allie Rehl's family.
The Tuttle senior has been around basketball for pretty much her entire life. Rehl said she grew up in a family that loves basketball, and she naturally developed a love for a sport that has provided her with opportunities at the next level.
Rehl is now blazing her trail on the court after other members of her family created their own trails by getting to play basketball at the next level. She has always looked up to those who came before her.
"Growing up in a basketball family, playing the game was just second nature for me," Rehl said. "I have three older siblings who all played college basketball, and I have been looking up to them since I can remember."
And now Rehl will have the opportunity to carry on a tradition of being able to play at the next level. The senior has officially signed to play basketball at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee.
Playing at the next level has been a dream for Rehl for a long time. She was able to have a signing ceremony in front of those who have put in plenty of work to help her and give her plenty of support.
"Since I could walk, it has been my dream to play college basketball," Rehl said. "I could not have reached this goal without my family and coaches, who spent countless hours in the gym with me.
"Being able to sign to play the game that I love is amazing, and having support from all my family and friends makes the experience even better."
Growing up around the game, Rehl has gotten to see just what basketball can provide on and off the court. She has a competitive spirit that playing basketball energizes, and the sport just brings her another level of joy.
"If anyone knows me, they know that I love the game of basketball so very much," Rehl said. "I love competing along the side of my teammates. I love winning and hate losing.
"Being able to improve my game and help others get better brings me joy every day."
That joy will continue after Rehl leaves Tuttle, and OBU will be the destination of her new basketball chapter. Rehl said she has known OBU head coach Bo Overton for several years.
Between knowing Overton and the closeness within the program, Rehl decided OBU was the place for her.
"I was led to sign with OBU because of the team," Rehl said. "The team felt like a family, and both coaches are amazing. I have known coach Bo since the third grade, and he has always made me feel so welcome."
While Rehl has decided on her next chapter, the senior still has one last ride with a Tuttle program that has reached the Class 4A mountaintop since Rehl reached the high school level. Rehl helped the Lady Tigers win the Class 4A state title in 2021.
Tuttle head coach Jamie Hill Combs is entering her second season coaching Rehl and provided her thoughts on Rehl's next step.
"Allie is the epitome of how far hard work and passion can take you, and I am so excited to see her path at Oklahoma Baptist University," she said.
And with one last chapter in the journey at Tuttle remaining, Rehl holds an extreme amount of pride in being a Lady Tiger. Rehl will not take her time at Tuttle for granted.
"Being able to put a Tuttle jersey on and go win for my school is an honor," Rehl said. "Tuttle has a winning program that is known for state championships, and being able to contribute to that end goal is the best.
"There is no other place like Tuttle."
