Kloe Froebe, the exceptional athlete who led Lincoln’s girls basketball team to a historic state championship victory, has been honoured with the esteemed title of Gatorade Illinois Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Froebe, who was also recognized as The State Journal-Register’s Large School Girls Basketball Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season, played a crucial role in guiding the Railsplitters to success with an outstanding performance in the Class 3A state championship game. She scored a remarkable 36 points in their 60-44 triumph over Chatham Glenwood at CEFCU Arena in Normal on March 2, resulting in a flawless 38-0 record for the team.
In a significant milestone, Froebe becomes the first female basketball player within the SJ-R’s circulation area to receive this esteemed statewide award. Noteworthy athletes from the area who have previously received the Gatorade Illinois award include boys soccer player Michael Hutchinson from Rochester in 2001, Charlie Sales of Sacred Heart-Griffin in 2003, football quarterback Gabe Green in 2014, and another football quarterback, Hank Beatty, in 2021, also from Rochester.
Throughout this season, the 5-foot-9 senior guard achieved an impressive 1,063 points and concluded her high school career with a total of 3,262 points, securing her eighth and fifth positions, respectively, in the history of the Illinois High School Association. With an impressive average performance of 28.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.2 steals, and 4.8 assists, Froebe played an integral role in leading the Central State Eight Conference champion Railers to victory.
Beyond her achievements on the basketball court, Froebe also demonstrated her prowess in volleyball, contributing to Lincoln’s runner-up finish in the IHSA Class 3A state volleyball tournament. Furthermore, she has excelled academically and has been an active leader in various school activities, serving as a three-year class president, student body president, and a dedicated member of Future Business Leaders of America. Additionally, she has shown her philanthropic spirit by volunteering to support fundraising efforts for the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Coach Brandon Rose of the Rochester girls basketball team expressed his admiration for Froebe, describing her as an “unbelievable basketball player” with an exceptional all-round game. Despite the challenges of facing her as an opposing coach, he emphasized the joy of watching her play and acknowledged her lack of weaknesses on the court.
With an exceptional weighted GPA of 4.92, Froebe has earned the top position in her class, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence. She has also taken a significant step towards her future in basketball by signing a National Letter of Intent to play at Colorado State University.
In conclusion, Kloe Froebe has unquestionably made a lasting impression with her exemplary performance both on and off the court. As she prepares to begin the next chapter of her basketball career at the collegiate level, her accomplishments at the high school level will undoubtedly be remembered as she continues to inspire future aspiring young athletes.