Rockford’s Krist follows family legacy by committing to U.S. Naval Academy
ROCKFORD, Mich. (BVM) — The Krist family has a long and storied history of serving their country in addition to a strong athletic background. Rockford High School senior Sam Krist has proven his talent on the hardwood in recent years, and will now follow in his family’s footsteps after committing to play basketball at Navy last month.
Krist began playing both basketball and baseball from a young age, while also competing in track and cross country. When he first began playing on the hardwood in kindergarten, Krist was immediately attracted to the competitiveness the sport offered, as well as being able to play with good friends.
The now 6-foot-5 shooting guard has become a solid shooter who can also attack the rim with a quick first step. A strong defender as well, Krist looks up to NBA stars such as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to model his game after.
But before the Rockford senior became a basketball star, he also learned about his family’s rich history of serving their country. Krist’s grandfather was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force who served in World War II, the Vietnam War and the Korean War. Meanwhile, Krist’s other grandfather served in the Navy.
Krist also has one uncle who was a master sergeant in the Air Force, while another uncle served in the Army during the Vietnam War. Now, the 18-year-old will have a chance to serve as well, and has long been influenced by his family background
“It’s great,” Krist said about his family’s military history. “When I first had the opportunity I asked for their input and all the people I’ve talked to said it’s a great opportunity that is hard to pass up and you make lifelong friends while being pushed to be your best.”
Krist’s opportunity will come with the United States Naval Academy, where he will play basketball for the Midshipmen. Krist began talking to Navy over this past summer, and received an official offer just months later.
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“Once I started to learn more, I felt that it was a great opportunity and if it was something that got offered I couldn’t pass it up,” Krist said. “I was very excited when they offered me.”
Navy was actually Krist’s only official Division I college basketball offer. But between the academics and being able to serve his country, the Rockford senior was immediately sold.
“It’s very exciting and I’m very happy to see all my hard work pay off while achieving a goal that I set for myself,” Krist added. “I’m excited to get started and continue to keep working hard and see great things happen.”
There is no doubt Krist will make a positive impact in all facets for the Naval Academy, and it is evidenced by what he has accomplished so far, particularly on the basketball court.
Krist began his career on the hardwood playing locally through his elementary school years. In fifth grade, he joined a local AAU team, getting to play strong competition around the state and region.
By that time, Krist gained a stronger interest in the sport. As he entered into high school, he continued his AAU career with the Grand Rapids Storm.
“We played a lot of competition across the country and it was a great experience to play against a lot of college athletes and players who will be playing in the big conferences,” Krist said. “It’s been a great experience and has definitely helped prepare me for high school and college.”
At Rockford High School, Krist began his freshman year on the JV squad, eventually getting called up to varsity by the postseason. But the following season, the guard became a varsity starter, getting his first taste of high-level high school competition.
The experience gained from his sophomore season would set the stage for a terrific junior campaign in which Krist averaged over 14 points per game while earning first team all-conference and all-area honors.
“I’m very proud of seeing my hard work pay off in that aspect,” Krist said about his postseason accolades. “I had dedicated myself to improving a lot between my sophomore and junior year so it was great to see it all pay off and see my improvement.”
Unfortunately, Rockford’s 2019-2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several months later, Krist and his Rams’ teammates faced a similar situation, as they learned the 2020-2021 season would be pushed back to the new year.
“Our season being postponed is disappointing for sure,” Krist said. “But a big thing for us and our team is to not dwell on it and just move on to be ready and prepared for when we do play. I’m very eager to get started, I’ve been ready for the past few months.”
Tentatively, Rockford and other high schools across Michigan are slated to begin their seasons on Jan. 16. The first game for the Rams will take place on Jan. 22.
If and when the high school basketball season finally begins for Rockford, Krist hopes he can help lead his team to state, while also serving as a leader and inspiration to younger players.
“Our goal as a team is to go as far as we can and hopefully make it to a state championship,” Krist explained. “For me, I want to be a role model for younger kids to show that they can achieve anything if they really put their mind to it. That’s really what I want to leave at Rockford.”
Although his senior season hangs in the balance, an exciting future awaits Krist at Navy. He has several goals he hopes to accomplish on and off the court while in Annapolis, Md.
“On the court, I’d like to get good minutes and help my team be successful while winning lots of games,” Krist said. “Off the court, I want to continue to be the greatest I can be academically and also be more of a leader and a person people look towards to make decisions. I just want to be the best version of myself that I can be.”
With his commitment to Navy, Krist becomes just the seventh player from Rockford to play for a Division I school, a special feat for the star athlete.
“I’m very proud,” Krist mentioned. “There have been lots of players that have come through Rockford and it’s a great school for basketball. To be a part of that list is very special.”
But perhaps even more special is being able to continue to add to his family’s tremendous military history.
“I’m very excited to be continuing the family legacy,” Krist said. “It’s just a great opportunity and is something I couldn’t pass up on.”
