Sarasota Athlete of the Year: Kali Barrett

There is no legacy at Cardinal Mooney girls basketball like what Kali Barrett left behind. While leading the Cougars to their maiden state title in 2024-25, she became the program's all-time leading scorer. The then-senior forward/guard averaged 16.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game while stacking up a state-best 24 double-doubles. Barrett also tallied 513 points in her final season of high school hoops — another program record. She's now with Cincinnati women's basketball, looking to translate her success to the Division I collegiate level. Barrett is the Sarasota Athlete of the Year.

How would you describe your growth at Cardinal Mooney from your freshman to senior seasons?

It was definitely a roller coaster, especially losing three (state championships) in a row. Sometimes I doubted myself, sometimes even doubting my team. "Can we do this? Can we not?" But every year, our goal was to get there and to win it all. We continued to say every year, "One game at a time. Let's not worry about the championship. Let's worry about now," and we did that last year. We (lost five games in a row). It was really downhill for us, but we stayed together. That was a moment we got closer. We shared our struggles, overcame (them) and we worked together to win a championship.

After coming up short in the title game so many times, how much more rewarding was the feeling of lifting that trophy?

It was amazing, but part of me was like, "Dang, we finally did it." I was relieved. I wasn't really so surprised — we had three other tries. Soaking in the moment and realizing we put a lot of hard work into it. Early mornings, late nights, two a days on the track (and) in the weight room, just finally paid off. It was all worth something.

What does it mean to not only be a state champion, but also the all-time leading scorer in program history?

Being able to go to a program that was pretty (well-off) when I went there my freshman year, and not only being a part of it, but creating a better program (was special). Along with (former guard) Olivia Davis... I feel like she was the foundation my first two years, and I really just watched her. I grew from her, and I took over for the last two years. And that's what also goes into college. I feel like I can be a leader, and I can lead with my voice on and off the court.

Why was Cincinnati the perfect next move in your basketball journey?

In high school, I had a very (family-like) team. We were always together, and with my pops (Marlon Williams) being the coach, it was more of a family than a team. All the (Cincinnati coaching staff) felt like family immediately. One of the first phone calls with (coach Katrina Merriweather), we're on the phone for over an hour just talking about life. That's really made me feel comfortable and wanted at the University of Cincinnati.

During your freshman season with the Bearcats, what's been your focus development-wise?

Definitely at the guard spot, just handling the ball and being comfortable. I feel like coach (Merriweather) has put me in those uncomfortable situations. You've got to get uncomfortable before you get comfortable. Just practicing, taking reps, being pressured by the (scout team) but not not getting frustrated. Just keep going and making the next play.