Sportzwire's Athlete of the Week: Kaitlyn Bindas
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | December 16, 2025 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire
Hazleton Area junior Kaitlyn Bindas continues to set the standard for excellence on and off the basketball court, earning Sportzwire’s Athlete of the Week honors, sponsored by Envy Electrical. A leader since day one, Bindas has been the starting point guard for the Lady Cougars since her freshman season, and her impact on the program has only grown with each year.
Basketball has always been part of Kaitlyn’s life. She’s been playing for as long as she can remember—“maybe since I was six years old,” she says. While she once played softball in little league, basketball quickly became her passion. “I just love the excitement of it, seeing my parents. I just love everything about it,” Bindas shared. “I like the fast pace of the game.” That love for the game has fueled her rise into one of the area’s top players.
Under Bindas’ leadership, Hazleton Area has enjoyed a remarkable run of success. The Lady Cougars have captured WVC Championships and District titles in each of the past two seasons. Last year’s squad went undefeated in the regular season before its state playoff run ended in the quarterfinals against eventual state champion Perkiomen. Individually, Bindas earned All-State Second Team honors and was named Co-MVP of the Wyoming Valley Conference alongside teammate Alexis Reimold. Freshman year, Kaitlyn was the WVC All-Conference 1st team and girl's basketball Player of the Year for the Standard Speaker.
This season has already produced another milestone moment. On December 9 at home against Scranton, Bindas scored her 1,000th career point in a dominant 64–35 Hazleton victory. It was a fitting achievement for a player who has been a cornerstone of the program since her first high school game.
Beyond the high school season, Bindas continues to sharpen her skills through travel basketball with NEPA Elite. “They’ve helped me improve my game,” she said. She credits much of her development to her support system, especially her father and mother and longtime mentor Darnell Ford. “My dad, because he basically taught me everything, and Darnell Ford, who pushed me and helped me build my game. My entire family is so supportive in what I do.”
While college decisions will come later, Bindas is fully focused on the present. Her goals for this season are clear: winning the WVC and District titles once again—and, above all, bringing home a State Championship. “The past two years our state run was cut short,” she said. “This year we’re working hard to go all the way.” Preparation has taken on a new level of intensity. “We treat every practice like we’re going into a really big game,” Bindas added. “Every girl helps us because our bench is so deep.”
Off the court, Kaitlyn is just as impressive. She is an honor roll student who takes academics seriously and is heavily involved in school activities, including student council and multiple clubs. Community service is also important to her. “I really like giving back,” she said. Her efforts include helping serve breakfast to senior citizens at her school and assisting autistic students during a Christmas lights event with the Collaborative Autistic Movement. Kaitlyn also helps teach younger players at their Cougar Camp and the Fran Libonati Instructional Basketball League. "Seeing those younger kids look up to me is something that really motivates me. Seeing all of them in the stands the night of my 1000th point was really something special to me," Kaitlyn said.
Bindas also credits her teachers and administrators for their encouragement, specifically noting Hazleton Area principal Dr. Yourechko, who gave her a motivating pep talk before the game in which she scored her 1,000th point.
Looking ahead, Bindas is excited for key matchups against Crestwood and Dallas in conference play, as well as the upcoming Wildwood Tournament over Christmas, which will feature strong competition.
With her talent, work ethic, leadership, and commitment to excellence in all areas, Kaitlyn Bindas continues to represent Hazleton Area with pride. It’s no surprise she has been recognized as Sportzwire’s Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Envy Electrical—and her best basketball may still be ahead.
