Landrum Girls Basketball Team Wins State Championship Amid Tragedy

Kali Koenig hears late father's voice during emotional victory.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Landrum High School girls basketball team won the Class 2A state championship in an emotional game at Colonial Life Arena. During the game, player Kali Koenig heard the voice of her father, Kalvin Koenig, who had passed away just weeks earlier on February 9th as the team was preparing for the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Landrum girls basketball team's state championship victory was bittersweet, as they were playing with heavy hearts following the sudden loss of a beloved parent and community member. The team's ability to overcome grief and adversity to achieve their goal speaks to their resilience and the power of sports to bring communities together during difficult times.

The details

Kali Koenig, a player on the Landrum team, said she could hear her father's voice cheering her on over the crowd during the championship game, just weeks after his passing. The team dedicated their state title run to Kalvin Koenig, who was a fixture at their games and a beloved figure in the small town of Landrum, South Carolina.

  • Kalvin Koenig passed away on February 9, 2026.
  • The Class 2A high school state championship game took place on March 5, 2026 at Colonial Life Arena.

The players

Kali Koenig

A player on the Landrum High School girls basketball team who heard her late father's voice during the state championship game.

Kalvin Koenig

Kali's father, who passed away shortly before the state championship game, but whose presence was still felt by his daughter during the emotional victory.

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What they’re saying

“At the beginning of the game, I cried,”

— Kali Koenig, Landrum High School basketball player (Independent Mail)

The takeaway

The Landrum girls basketball team's state championship victory in the face of tragedy demonstrates the power of sports to bring communities together, provide solace, and create lasting memories even in the darkest of times. Their resilience and dedication to honoring a beloved member of their community is an inspiring example of the positive impact athletics can have.