Whiz Kid: Kira Mosley is One of St. Michael-Albertville's Rising Stars

Kira Mosley, 11, of St. Michael – this week’s Whiz Kid – demonstrates you can wear a tiara and yet still be a talented all-around athlete. The up-and-coming star is already participating in an impressive collection of sports.   At one time or another, Kira has competed in dance, swim team, basketball, soccer, fast-pitch softball and – she tells us – she’s curious about lacrosse.

Her mom, Dee Dee Mosley, can only smile and add, “Well if she can fit it in, she can try it.”

Kira – a fifth grader at St. Michael Middle School East - is gearing up for a huge season of travel basketball with the North Tartan AAU 10U Basketball team. This is a largely recruit only team, where an opportunity to play with them, is a chance rarely passed on.

“I love basketball because you get a lot of time on the cour,t and it’s aggressive!” Kira said.

Along with travel basketball, Kira will play travel softball on the 10U "A" team - the HEAT - for St. Michael.

 “My favorite position is first base – I get to catch pop flies and get the most people out.” Kira reasons.

 She also pitches.

“Pitching is a big part of the game. The pitcher needs to really control the game, and you have to think a lot. And I like to change it up. Get the batter to expect me to do one thing, then I do another.“ Kira explains with a grin.

 Softball Coach Brian Burditt had this to say about his player, “Kira is a dedicated softball athlete who always works hard in practice and enjoys competing in the game of softball. Kira always has a smile on her face and enjoys being around her teammates. Kira was one of the leaders on our team last season.”

 Asked if the pitcher and catcher communicate via signals and motions, Kira nods vigorously and shares, “Oh yeah! When I do this…” Kira begins to demonstrate her secret signs as Dee Dee frantically motions Kira to stop giving away team secrets.

“I don’t think your coach will want that in writing!” Mom quips.

Add to the mix Kira’s younger brother Shane, a third-grader at St. Michael Elementary. He swims competitively on the Sea Devils, does gymnastics and is also interested in lacrosse. This leaves parents Tony andDee Dee Mosley with precious little white space on their calendar.

Purple Pride fan Tony has ensured that although Kira won’t be playing for the Vikings – she’ll cheer for them. Kira is on her sixth season as a Junior Minnesota Viking Cheerleader.

 Yet this young lady is not a case of parental pushing. Kira understands the expectations of coaches and parents and has no problem giving 100 percent. These sports are her choice.

“I really love it. All the sports are fun. I like meeting new people, travelling around and winning! Last year we were [STMA Annette Leuer Tournament] champs for softball. It was really cool to end the season that way!”

 The best advice Kira has received thus far?   “From my Dad….do your best – no matter what anybody else says or does.”

Kira’s advice to girls in sports? “Find people who are experts in your sport. Ask them for tips and ask to play one-on-one with them”.

Kira has talents that don’t involve wearing cleats. She is as comfortable on the mound, as she is on a float – where she spent much of her 2^nd grade year as an Albertville Jr Miss Princess. She also danced competitively as a member of a nationally award-winning dance line.

Ruth Ann Haugen, one of Kira’s teachers, adds this about the A Honor Roll student, “Kira is a great student who has a good work ethic and a positive attitude. Students and teachers like to be around Kira because she has a good sense of humor, very creative and always smiling!”

Kira is expected to help with family chores and keep her room clean. Kira’s parents support her decision to experience as many sports as interest her, and have learned that family time is wherever their kids are playing. Grandparents – and even family pets Buddy and Morgan - often join the mix too.

When not busy with practice or school, Kira can be found playing sports with the kids on her street. There are nearly 30 kids on her cul de sac in St. Michael – the vast majority of them boys. Yet Kira isn’t picked last for the neighborhood baseball games. The boys know she’s a first-round pick – ponytail and lip gloss included.