ALTON — A rising star at Alton High School is making her presence felt in more ways than one. Sophomore Claire Delehanty, recently recognized as an Art Fahrner-Edward Jones Remarkable Redbird, is earning praise for her achievements in athletics and academics while emerging as one of the school’s most dynamic student-athletes.
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Claire has become a key contributor to the Alton High School girls' basketball program over the past two seasons, gaining valuable experience at both the varsity and junior varsity levels. Her role expanded this year as she helped power the Redbirds to an impressive 28-3 record and a postseason run that ended in the sectional semifinals.
Reflecting on the season, Claire credited her team’s unselfish style of play as a major factor in their success. She emphasized the importance of ball movement and decision-making, noting how teammates consistently worked together to get the ball to the right player at the right time. That chemistry, she said, helped her find scoring opportunities within the flow of the game.
She also pointed to the leadership of first-year head coach Deiondre Riney as instrumental in sustaining the program’s recent success. Riney’s familiarity with many of the players — including Claire — through their participation in the Mid-Pro club program provided continuity and strengthened trust on and off the court.
Claire was equally quick to recognize the legacy of her senior teammates, who capped off their careers by never losing a home game over four years. She also acknowledged the role of the student body and fan section — known as the Redbird Nest — for creating a supportive and energetic atmosphere throughout the season.
While basketball remains a centerpiece of her athletic career, Claire is just as impactful on the soccer field. As a member of the Redbirds girls soccer team, she has established herself as one of the program’s top offensive threats. She earned Offensive Player of the Year honors as a freshman after leading the team in goals and has continued that momentum this season, once again ranking among the team’s leading scorers.
Off the field and court, Claire’s accomplishments are equally impressive. She maintains a 4.5 GPA while taking a full schedule of honors classes, demonstrating a strong commitment to academic excellence. Her achievements in the classroom recently earned her selection to Alton High’s Link Crew, a leadership program where upperclassmen mentor incoming freshmen and help them transition into high school life.
Claire said she is excited about the opportunity to give back to her school community through the program and support younger students as they begin their high school journey.
Looking ahead, she has set her sights on continuing both her academic and athletic careers beyond high school. Claire hopes to play basketball at the collegiate level while pursuing a degree in sports medicine. Her long-term goal is to become an athletic trainer and work within a school setting, combining her passion for sports with a desire to help others.
With two years remaining at Alton High, Claire’s trajectory suggests even more achievements are on the horizon.
Whether competing on the court, scoring goals on the field, or excelling in the classroom, she continues to embody the well-rounded excellence celebrated by the Remarkable Redbird honor.
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