Over the last 14 years, all five siblings in the Kaifes family have played varsity basketball at Mill Valley. This year, the youngest sibling, Carter, will graduate, leaving behind the family’s legacy on both the boys and girls programs.
Growing up, Carter and his four siblings were introduced to sports early by their parents. Mom Melynda Kaifes recalls, via email, all the days in their childhood that were filled with sports.
“Their dad had a ball in their hands from the time they were babies, and workouts and time on the field or in the gym were priorities every day,” Melynda said. “It’s been an incredible experience to see them represent Mill Valley, and I couldn’t be prouder of their achievements and the people they’ve become.”
Conner, who graduated in 2015, was the first in the family to play Jaguar basketball, followed by Catie, who graduated in 2016, then Cooper, class of 2018 and Claire in the class of 2019. All four siblings went on to play college sports: Conner in football at Pittsburg State, Catie in basketball at Eastern Kentucky University, Cooper in basketball at Samford University and Claire in basketball at Marquette University. Carter has offers from several Division I schools to play college basketball after he graduates in May.
Being the last member of the family to come through Mill Valley, Carter knew he had big shoes to fill.
“I do feel a little bit of pressure playing up to [my siblings] standards, but I think that the pressure is good,” Carter said. “I think I did compete better because my older siblings showed me what it takes to be a good player.”
Carter truly loves the game of basketball and growing up with older siblings who also played gave him lots of important insight to the game.
“The thing I’ve enjoyed most is being able to watch all of my siblings play and be able to ask them questions to help me learn more,” Carter said.
Carter wants to leave a positive impact behind when he graduates, not only for himself but for his family.
“I wish to leave behind the legacy of being known as a good person and a good teammate,” Carter said.
Reflecting on her family’s last year with the Mill Valley basketball program, mom Melynda said she feels as though it’s not so much a legacy as it is just one family enjoying their time together.
“In 2025, we’re ending our time at Mill Valley with all of the kids coming together to support Carter at his games,” Kaifes said. “Seeing that full circle moment, watching how the whole family rallies around him—it’s a feeling I can’t even put into words. As a mom, it fills my heart in a way that’s hard to describe.”
