South Ripley senior who honors Lauren Hill to continue basketball career

(VERSAILLES, Ind.) – A South Ripley senior who has paid homage to Lawrenceburg graduate Lauren Hill will continue her basketball career in college! 

Kaiya Rinear scored more than 1,000 points as a Raider and did so while wearing #22. 

She picked that number to honor the former Mount St. Joseph basketball player who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. 

Lauren inspired people around the world with her ‘Never Give Up’ attitude and brought global attention and fundraising to the disease known as DIPG. 

Kaiya was just 7-years-old when Lauren battled the terminal disease and had no connections to the family. 

After watching a documentary, Kaiya was convinced that Lauren’s story was far from over and decided she would wear that signature #22 for as long as she could. 

“Although I never got to meet her, she is a very special young woman and just her love for the game of basketball has inspired me a lot,” Rinear told The 812. 

Kaiya had a dream of playing college basketball herself. And that came true this week!

Rinear made it official by signing with Indiana Wesleyan University during a ceremony with her family, teammates and coaches. 

Kaiya also plans to pursue a career in occupational therapy because she loves working with children.

RELATED: Lauren Hill’s dad heard about Kaiya’s tribute and surprised her during a game this past December. Watch that story here.